SAN DIEGO (AP) -- Mohamed Abukar converted a 3-point play late in the game to lift lethargic San Diego State to a 56-51 victory over Texas Christian on Saturday.
San Diego State (21-9, 10-6 Mountain West) also got two big baskets on consecutive possessions from Brandon Heath and Richie Williams. Heath hit a 15-foot jumper and Williams followed with a 3-pointer for a 51-48 lead with 4:47 left in the game.Abukar's basket came after he rebounded an air ball by Heath, scored the putback, and was fouled. He made the free throw for a 54-51 lead with 1:38 remaining in the team's last regular season game.Abukar also made two free throws with 1.1 seconds left to secure the victory after Neil Dougherty missed an open 3-point shot with 4 seconds left that would have tied the game.San Diego State, the conference's defending regular-season and tournament champion, won despite shooting just 32.8 percent.Heath, the Aztecs' leading scorer at 19.4 points, made just 5 of 18 shots as he scored 12 points.Abukar, averaging 16.1 points, hit four of 17 from the field and also finished with 12 points.Brent Hackett, led Texas Christian (12-16, 4-12) with 16 points, including four 3-pointers.
