Tomislav Buljan powers New Mexico past San Diego State 81-76, tightening Mountain West race Saturday

New Mexico’s second-half surge flips a one-point halftime deficit at The Pit

New Mexico defeated San Diego State 81-76 on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, in Albuquerque, a result that left both programs tied in the Mountain West standings at 13-5 in conference play. The win moved the Lobos to 22-7 overall, while the Aztecs fell to 19-9.

The game turned on a decisive closing stretch and a dominant interior performance by New Mexico forward Tomislav Buljan, who finished with 24 points and 18 rebounds. San Diego State remained within one possession in the final minute, but New Mexico executed cleanly late to secure the outcome in a contest marked by physical play and sustained scoring from multiple contributors.

Key sequence: Luke Haupt’s late 3-pointer seals the final margin

With the game tightening late, New Mexico guard Luke Haupt hit a 3-pointer with 43 seconds remaining, providing the separation the Lobos needed to hold off San Diego State’s final possessions. Haupt scored 17 points and added three steals, helping New Mexico convert stops into timely offense.

New Mexico entered halftime down 37-36, despite Buljan’s early production. He scored 10 points before the break and added 14 more after halftime as New Mexico outscored San Diego State by six points in the second half.

Balanced scoring supports Buljan’s rebounding edge

Beyond Buljan and Haupt, New Mexico received 14 points from Jake Hall, who hit three 3-pointers, and 10 points from Uriah Tenette. The Lobos’ scoring distribution reduced the burden on any single perimeter option and allowed Buljan’s work on the glass to translate into added possessions and second-chance opportunities.

• Tomislav Buljan: 24 points, 18 rebounds
• Luke Haupt: 17 points, late 3-pointer, three steals
• Jake Hall: 14 points, three 3-pointers

San Diego State’s top scorers keep Aztecs close, but late execution favors Lobos

San Diego State was led by Miles Byrd with 17 points and seven rebounds. BJ Davis and Magoon Gwath each scored 11 points, with Gwath adding two blocks. Freshman Elzie Harrington contributed 10 points as the Aztecs placed four players in double figures.

Despite that balance, San Diego State could not fully neutralize Buljan’s presence inside, and New Mexico’s late shot-making created the margin that held through the final seconds.

The result adds another turn in a season series that has produced close finishes. Earlier in conference play, San Diego State defeated New Mexico 83-79 in San Diego on Jan. 17, 2026.

What it means for the Mountain West standings

With both teams now level at 13-5 in Mountain West games, the remaining regular-season schedule takes on added significance for tournament seeding and positioning. Saturday’s outcome also reinforced a familiar conference reality: road results can hinge on late possessions, rebounding control, and a single made shot in the final minute.