Thursday, March 6, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.
New Mexico was not seriously challenged until the final seconds of the game by Hawaii, leading by 10 points or more for most of the second half of a quarterfinal game at the UNLV campus arena.
But the Lobos could never completely shake Hawaii, either, despite leading 59-48 on a pair of free throws by Kenny Thomas with 1:41 left.
Quentin Gallon hit a 3-pointer for Hawaii and Alika Smith intercepted an inbounds pass and hit another 3-pointer to make it 59-54 with 35.7 seconds left.
New Mexico then put the game away at the free throw line, making four of six down the stretch.
Smith led Hawaii with 19 points while Anthony Carter had 13. Charles Smith had 15 for the Lobos and Thomas had 12 points and 10 rebounds.
The win put New Mexico (24-6) into a Friday night semifinal against No. 3 Utah, which beat Southern Methodist 59-58.
New Mexico led from the opening basket by Shields off an offensive rebound, but Hawaii (20-7) closed to 19-16 with 6:34 left in the first half.
Charles Smith then sparked an 11-2 run, scoring seven of the New Mexico points himself as the Lobos opened up the game.
New Mexico led 35-23 at halftime, but Hawaii scored the first seven points of the second half to get to within 35-30 before the Lobos went on a 10-3 run to get back in command.
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