ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP)—Daniel Faris scored 18 points, leading five teammates who scored in double figures, as New Mexico took control early to beat Grambling State 96-50 on Thursday night.
Roman Martinez and Phillip McDonald each scored 15 for the Lobos (2-1), while Chad Toppert had 10 points, Dairese Gary had 11 and A.J. Hardeman 10. Faris, Martinez and Hardeman combined to shoot 17-of-23 from the floor.
Ibrahim Kpaka led the Tigers (0-2) with 17 points.
New Mexico used an 18-3 run in the opening minutes, when Faris scored five points, and the Lobos never were threatened. New Mexico added a 17-3 burst just before halftime and led 49-18 at the break.
New Mexico’s defense held Grambling State scoreless for three different stretches of at least three minutes in the first half.
Tony Danridge had a career-high eight assists for New Mexico, with all but one coming in the first half.
The Lobos shot 56.7 percent from the field, hitting 34-of-60, while limiting Grambling State to a 16-of-61 effort. New Mexico made 12-of-23 from 3-point range, with Martinez and Gary each hitting 3-of-4.
