LAS VEGAS (AP) — Sam Merrill scored 29 points and Justin Bean had a double-double and Utah State beat New Mexico 75-70 in the quarterfinals of the Mountain West Conference Tournament.

Merrill scored seven straight as he made four free throws and a 3-pointer. The free throws tied the game on both trips to the foul line, and the 3-pointer put Utah State up 68-65 with 2:43 left. Vance Jackson countered with a 3 to tie it. After Diogo Brito and Zane Martin traded baskets, Brito’s 3 with 68 seconds to go gave the Aggies the lead for good.

Jaquan Lyle led the seventh-seeded Lobos with 20 points

Utah State plays Wyoming in the semifinals Friday night after the No. 11 seed Cowboys upset Nevada.