West Virginia Tops New Mexico State in Legends Consolation Game
Mountaineers' Joe Alexander selected to All-Tournament Team

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MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - Junior Joe Alexander scored 16 points and pulled down 10 boards as West Virginia topped New Mexico State 75-61 in the consolation game of the StubHub! Legends Classic on Saturday afternoon in Newark, N.J.

Alexander was one of four Mountaineers in double figures on the afternoon.

The Mountaineers, who led by as many as 19 points, shot 48 percent from the field and had just nine turnovers. On the other end, West Virginia’s defense forced 19 turnovers and held the Aggies to 40 percent shooting from the field.

The Mountaineers (3-1) led 33-30 at the break before New Mexico State came out strong in the second half. The Aggies put together an 8-0 run to take a 41-37 lead before WVU was able to re-take control of the game. The Mountaineers bounced back on a 14-6 run led by Da'Sean Butler to take a 51-43 lead.

Junior Alex Ruoff and Butler each scored 13 apiece. Senior Darris Nichols scored 11 points and Wellington Smith added nine points off the bench.

Jonathan Gibson paced the Aggies (2-4) with 14 points, while Fred Peete chipped in 11 points and Hatila Passos added 10. Center Martin Iti came off the bench to score 13 points.