New Mexico State Dumps Chicago State Behind Siakam, 69-55

CHICAGO (AP) — Pascal Siakam scored 24 points on 10-for-12 shooting, hauled in eight rebounds and blocked five shots as New Mexico State defeated Chicago State, 69-55, on Saturday.

Chicago State led 14-6 early with the help of a 3-point play by Trayvon Palmer and a Fred Sims Jr. 3. But Siakam scored nine-straight, capping a 19-7 run that gave New Mexico State (18-8, 9-1 Western Athletic Conference) the lead for good.

Leading 30-21 at the half, the Aggies continued to separate, outscoring the Cougars 15-9. Siakam had a dunk and a 3 with 10:33 remaining to extend the lead to 52-33.

Ian Baker scored 16 points and Jonathan Wilkins added 10 for the Aggies as they shot 25 for 44 from the field (56.8 percent).

Palmer led Chicago State (4-23, 0-10) with 13 points and Sims finished with 11. The Cougars shot 16 for 48 from the field (33.3 percent).

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