PORTLAND, Ore., March 15 (UPI) -- Hugh Greenwood and Drew Gordon dropped in the clinching free throws Thursday in a 75-68 New Mexico win over Long Beach State in the NCAA Tournament.
Greenwood's free throws came with 27 seconds to play and Gordon hit his 14 seconds later as the Lobos (28-6) were able to hold off Long Beach (25-9).
New Mexico earned a third-round meeting against fourth-seeded Louisville (27-9), which defeated Davidson 69-62 earlier Thursday. This section of the West Region has its third-round games Saturday.
Long Beach kept within striking distance of New Mexico, pulling within 71-68 with 29 seconds left. The 49ers quickly fouled but Greenwood made his free throws. Long Beach missed on the other end and Gordon was fouled after he secured the rebound. His free throws accounted for the final 7-point spread.
Gordon, who also had 13 rebounds, led all scorers with 18 points while Kendall Williams had 15 and Greenwood 12. New Mexico made 18-of-24 (75 percent) free throws in the game, including 9-of-10 in the final 4 minutes.
Casper Ware paced the 49ers with 17 points. T.J. Robinson has 12 points and 13 rebounds for Long Beach.
