LAS VEGAS - CSU Bakersfield turned the 2016 WAC Tournament title game into an instant classic, using a last-second three-pointer to knock off defending champion NM State, 57-54, on Saturday night to earn its first-ever NCAA Divison I postseason bid.
CSU Bakersfield jumped out to a seven-point lead just over five minutes into the game, pushing the lead into double-digits late in the first half as the Runners took a 10-point lead into the break at 32-22. NM State used a 9-0 run in the second half to cut the lead down to just two with 14:42 left to go.
After the Runners pushed the lead back to nine points midway through the half, the Aggies again fought back to pull within three with just over five minutes left. NM State kept fighting and a free throw by Tanveer Bhullar with 13 seconds tied the game at 54.
On the final play of the game, the Runners got the ball to Dedrick Basile, who nailed a three-pointer from just to the left of the top of the key to send CSU Bakersfield dancing in the NCAA Division I Tournament for the first time in program history.
Basile led CSU Bakersfield with 18 points, while Damiyne Durham added 15 points and nine rebounds off the bench and Jaylin Airington posted 12 points in the win.
NM State had four players finish in double-digit scoring. Bhullar posted his second double-double of the season with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Pascal Siakam and Braxton Huggins scored 11 points each and Ian Baker finished with 10 points.
All-Tournament Team
Jaylin Airington, CSU Bakersfield
Ian Baker, NM State
Damiyne Durham, CSU Bakersfield
Pascal Siakam, NM State
MVP: Dedrick Basile, CSU Bakersfield