Missed FTs cost NM State upset bid

SALT LAKE CITY — A.J. Harris had an easy layup for the tie. He wanted a win for New Mexico State.

It didn't work out, but boy-oh-boy, what a way for the Aggies to go down swinging Thursday against fifth-seeded Auburn in the NCAA Tournament.

With the clock ticking down, Harris passed on an open layup and kicked out to wide-open teammate Terrell Brown , who was spotted up for the gamewinner behind the arc. Brown was fouled as he took the shot, but missed two of three free throws with 1.1 seconds left, and New Mexico State fell 78-77.

It's hard to call the Aggies losers after their showing in the opening round of the Midwest Region, though.

“I can sit up here and second guess,” said New Mexico State coach Chris Jans, “but if he makes the 3, or makes all three free throws, it's an Ali-Frazier moment.” With McCormick making the choke sign as Brown toed the line — “I saw in his face, he was pretty scared,” second round. KANSAS 87, NORTHEASTERN 53: Dedric Lawson had 25 points and 11 rebounds, and Kansas dominated inside for an 87-53 rout over Northeastern on Thursday in the opening round of the Midwest Region. The fourth-seeded Jayhawks (26-9) had a notable size advantage inside and used it, outscoring the Huskies 50-16 in the paint while grabbing 17 more rebounds. Kansas shot 56 percent and advanced to Saturday’s second round against fifthseeded Auburn. The best shot for the 13th-seeded Huskies (23-11) was to make their 3-point tries.