The Rainbow Warriors missed two 3-pointers in the closing seconds of a 71-68 loss to the Aggies.

A crowd of 4,188 at the Stan Sheriff Center watched Hawai'i drop to 14-11 overall and 5-7 in the Western Athletic Conference. New Mexico State improved to 19-6 and 9-3.

The game was close throughout the second half, but Hawai'i could not catch the Aggies in the game's final two minutes.

Trailing 71-68, Hawai'i's Bobby Nash missed a 3-pointer, and then Matt Lojeski missed another at the final horn.

Ahmet Gueye and Lojeski led the 'Bows with 15 points each. Gueye also grabbed eight rebounds.

Shaun Davis led the Aggies with 14 points, all in the first half. Martin Iti added 13 points and eight rebounds. He scored four crucial points in the closing minutes to give New Mexico State a four-point lead.

Hawai'i raced to a 10-5 lead, prompting New Mexico State head coach Reggie Theus to remove all five of his starters from the game.

The 'Bows built the lead to 19-9 with 10:58 remaining, but the Aggies rallied behind reserve guard Davis. New Mexico State went on a 10-0 run to take a 27-24 lead. The Aggies eventually took a 33-31 lead at halftime.

The game stayed close throughout the second half, with neither team ever leading by more than five.

The 'Bows had a 59-54 advantage with 5:36 remaining. But three Hawai'i turnovers led directly to six New Mexico State points, and the Aggies took a 60-59 lead with 4:47 remaining.