ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP)—Alex Kirk set a New Mexico freshman scoring record with 31 points Wednesday night as the Lobos defeated Cal State Bakersfield 102-62.
Kirk, who was 11 of 13 from the field and 7 of 8 from the free-throw line, more than tripled his previous high of 10 points, matching that figure with 8:31 left in the first half.
Dairese Gary added 15 points and Drew Gordon 14 for New Mexico (12-3).
Robert Hayes led Bakersfield (8-7) with 16 points.
The teams traded leads eight times and were tied 20-all before New Mexico went on a 16-0 run. The Lobos ended the first half on a 30-9 run to lead 50-29 and converted 14 of their last 21 shots to end the half.
Kenny Thomas held the previous New Mexico freshman scoring record with 30 points in 1996.
