New Mexico 73, New Mexico State 58: Kendall Williams had 15 points, eight rebounds and seven assists as the No. 20 Lobos defeated the visiting Aggies in the first of back-to-back games between the in-state rivals.

Alex Kirk had 15 points and five blocked shots and Chad Adams chipped in 13 points and 10 rebounds as New Mexico (11-0) improved to 9-2 against New Mexico State during Steve Alford’s six seasons as coach.

Daniel Mullings scored 14 points and Tyrone Watson grabbed 11 rebounds for the Aggies (5-5), who shot 32.8 percent while dropping to 1-4 on the road. New Mexico State hosts the Lobos on Wednesday.

New Mexico started quick and took a 14-6 lead on Tony Snell’s 3-pointer with 13:43 left in the half. After New Mexico State moved within three four-plus minutes later, the Lobos rattled off an 11-2 run to take a 12-point lead with 5:33 left. New Mexico led 39-32 at the break.

The Lobos led by 14 midway through the second half before the Aggies crept within 54-45 on two free throws by K.C. Ross-Miller with 8:21 remaining. Williams responded with a 3-pointer to start another 11-2 surge to boost New Mexico’s lead to 18 with 6:14 left.

GAME NOTEBOOK: New Mexico blocked 11 shots with PG Hugh Greenwood swatting away four. … Aggies C Tshilidzi Nephawe missed the contest after undergoing surgery on his right wrist earlier this week. … The Lobos were 7-for-13 from 3-point range compared to New Mexico State’s 4-for-16.