We have a repeat WAC champion: New Mexico State

New Mexico State and Texas Arlington went at it tonight in Las Vegas for the WAC tournament championship and a Big Dance slot.

NMSU jumped out to an early lead but the Mavericks recovered and the score was 32-30 in favor of the Aggies at the half. Center Sim Bhullar already posted a double-double -- 10 points and 10 boards -- after 20 minutes with Kevin Butler sitting on 10 points for TA.

Coach Marvin Menzies' squad then went up 37-30. It was 51-40 with 11:24 remaining and, at the three-minute mark, there was a four point difference, 55-51.

The final score: 64-55 New Mexico State so the Aggies are Big Dancin'.

Bhullar finished with a 16 point, 15 rebound night and Daniel Mullings also tallied 16.

Butler completed the night at 13 points plus 10 boards but shot 5-17 overall.

It was not a particularly sharp shooting evening for either team. The Aggies accuracy: 43% 31% and 61%. The Mavs were at 39%, 23% and 73%.

Note the free throw attempt margin: 20-33 for NMSU, 8-11 by the Texans.

NMSU also owned the boards, 41-29.

Jason Groves live-tweeted the matchup and here are his pre-game keys to the kingdom plus a prediction.

Bleed Crimson is all over the contest, with print and video and Maverick athletics also game reports. The Mile High Mids twitter account serves up a number of photos.

Bhullar was named the tournament MVP. The other members of the All Touranment team:

* Joel Wright, Texas State

* Kevin Butler, UT Arlington

* Karol Gruszecki, UT Arlington

* Daniel Mullings, New Mexico State