Albuquerque, NM (Sports Network) - Daniel Faris scored 15 points and collected seven rebounds to lead the New Mexico Lobos past the Utah Runnin' Utes, 76-67, in overtime of a Mountain West Conference showdown at The Pit.

J.R. Giddens had 14 points, eight rebounds and six assists for New Mexico (16-4, 3-2 MWC), which improved to 12-1 at home. Chad Toppert also netted 14 points for the Lobos, while Jamaal Smith and Dairese chipped in with 12 and 10 points, respectively.

Johnnie Bryant poured in a game-high 25 points to lead the Utes (10-7, 1-3), who dropped their third game in a row. Luke Nevill contributed 13 points and nine boards, while Tyler Kepkay added 12 points in the losing cause.

Despite shooting just 39.4 percent from the field in the first half, New Mexico was able to open a 31-21 lead at the break.

In the second half, Utah battled back by shooting 58.3 percent from the floor. The Utes held a late lead, but Smith tied the game at 60-60 on a pair of free throws with just over a minute left, as the teams headed to overtime.

The Lobos converted 9-of-11 free-throw attempts in overtime and they captured the 10-point victory.

New Mexico forced 16 turnovers in the contest, while committing just seven miscues itself.