Las Cruces, NM -- (Sports Network) - Phillip McDonald scored a game-high 27 points, leading four starters in double figures, as the New Mexico Lobos captured a 97-87 win over the New Mexico State Aggies as part of the ongoing Rio Grande Rivalry at the Pan American Center.

Roman Martinez also had a hot hand for the Lobos (2-0) as he dropped in 24 points to go along with nine rebounds, followed by Darington Hobson and Dairese Gary with 17 and 14 points, respectively.

The Aggies (0-2) were led by Jahmar Young who tallied 26 points on the strength of his 14-of-16 shooting at the free-throw line. Jonathan Gibson accounted for 17 points, Hernst Laroche 15 and Hamidu Rahman 14 points on the night.

UNM shot a sizzling 64.5 percent from the field in the first half and also converted 7-of-12 behind the three-point line in the frame to claim a 52-36 lead at the break.

In the second half the Lobos dipped all the way down to just 35.3 percent from the floor, but thanks to 16-of-21 shooting at the free-throw line the team was never truly challenged by NMSU in the 10-point decision.

The Lobos forced 14 turnovers and created 22 points from those New Mexico State miscues.