LAS VEGAS, March 12 (UPI) -- D.J. Gay made a floating jump shot with 5 seconds to play Friday, giving No. 6 San Diego State a 74-72 win over Nevada-Las Vegas.
The Aztecs survived a huge scare to earn a spot in Saturday's championship game of the Mountain West Conference Tournament, where they will meet Brigham Young, the only team that has defeated them this season. The Cougars have beaten San Diego State twice.
BYU reached the finals by downing New Mexico 87-76 Friday.
The Aztecs led by 12 early in the second half but the Rebels came back to take a 72-70 lead on a jumper by Chace Stanback with 56 seconds to go.
After San Diego State tied it with 43 seconds left on two free throws by Malcolm Thomas, Chase Tapley stole the ball from Oscar Bellfield to give the Aztecs the final shot.
Gay's game-winner gave San Diego State a 30-2 record. The Aztecs lost to BYU by 13 points in both their meetings during the regular season.
Kawhi Leonard led San Diego State with 18 points and Gay had 15.
Stanback had 22 for Nevada-Las Vegas (24-7).
