WAC showdown features wild brawl at end involving fans

— -- OREM, Utah -- New Mexico State's K.C. Ross-Miller hurled the ball at Utah Valley's Holton Hunsaker seconds after the Wolverines' 66-61 overtime victory over the Aggies, triggering a wild brawl that involved fans who came on the court.

Ross-Miller picked up the ball at midcourt and fired it at Hunsaker -- the son of Utah Valley coach Dick Hunsaker -- from close range, hitting him in the leg.

New Mexico State's D.K. Eldridge was in the middle of the scrum before he was dragged away by Aggies coaches as order was restored.

Aggies coach Marvin Menzies said a "skirmish" was touched off behind him after he he had walked over to shake hands with Utah Valley players and staff.

"My understanding is that (Ross-Miller) threw the ball at (Hunsaker), who was giving him lip service," Menzies said, according to the Albuquerque Journal. "Then they had some fans rush the floor, and some of our guys had the impression that the fans were coming after them. They were definitely feeling a little nervous."

The brawl marred Utah Valley State's victory in the showdown of Western Athletic Conference co-leaders.

"It's a sad situation I'll have to deal with, but I don't know if the conference will get involved," Menzies added. Ben Aird scored 21 points, and Keawe Enos hit clutch free throws for Utah Valley.

Enos hit three free throws with 4 seconds left in regulation to force overtime and hit four more in the last 11 seconds of overtime. He finished with 11 points for the Wolverines (17-10, 11-3), and Zach Nelson added 10.

Daniel Mullings led the Aggies (21-9, 10-4) with 19 points and 10 rebounds.

Sim Bhullar had 10 points, 14 rebounds and six blocks.

Utah Valley closed regulation with an 8-1 run over the last 2½ minutes.

Eldridge's 3-pointer put New Mexico State up 56-55 with 3:26 left in overtime, but Utah Valley scored seven straight, four from Aird, who had six in overtime.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.