LAS VEGAS - No. 2-seed NM State defeated third-seeded UMKC 78-60 in the final semifinal of the WAC Tournament Friday to advance to the championship game for a rematch of last year's title game with top-seeded CSU Bakersfield Saturday.
UMKC led by eight (21-13) early before NM State used a 14-1 run to take a 27-22 lead that it never relinquished.
The Aggies shot 56 percent from the field, 43 percent from three-point range and 64 percent from the free throw line on the game, while the Roos shot 35 percent from the floor, 31 percent downtown and 79 percent from the charity stripe. NM State dominated the glass, 39-26.
Braxton Huggins and Ian Baker led the Aggies with 18 points each, while Jemerrio Jones grabbed 13 boards.
Dashawn King and Kyle Steward scored 12 points each, while LaVell Boyd added 10 points.