LAS VEGAS, Nev.—New Mexico State (25-9) rallied from a nine-point halftime deficit to defeat Bakersfield (13-19) 67-60 in the semifinals of the Western Athletic Conference Men's Basketball Tournament Friday night at the Orleans Arena.

Bakersfield, the seventh seed, led 35-26 at halftime with Grayson leading all scorers at the half with 21 points. Issiah Grayson (R-Sr., Atlanta, Ga., College of Southern Idaho) had 14-of-19 for the 'Runners at one point of the first half. CSUB held the Aggies without a point for the final 3:41 of the opening stanza.  

New Mexico State, the second seed opened the closing frame on a 17-8 run to get within two on a Ian Baker three at 13:30. The Aggies tied the score a little over a minute later when Robert Mullins, the 2014 WAC MVP hit a layup.

Grayson responded with a bucket the next time down for the 'Runners, but a CSUB foul sent DK Eldrige to the free throw line for three. Eldridge made two of three for a 45-45 tie. Tyrell Corbin (Jr., Columbia, S.C., Salt Lake CC) sank a three as the shot clock expired on the ensuing CSUB possession for a 48-45 lead, Corbin then stole the ball next time down and made a layup for a five-point advantage.

The Aggies would convert on their next three possessions, capped off by a Mullins three for a 52-50 lead. Corbin tied it at 52 with a layup. Eldridge put NM State back up by two  with a layup of his own. A Mullins dunk after making a steal would put the Aggies up by. CSUB would tie it once more on a Grayson three, but an Ian Baker three-pointer with 3:24 remaining put the Aggies up for good.

The Aggies made 17 of their first 23 field goal attempts in the second half and would shoot 53.2% (25-of-47) for the night. Mullins led New Mexico State with 21 points before being ejected when he was called for a flagrant foul 2 with less than a minute to play. Eldridge posted 15.

Grayson scored 33 points to lead all players in the game. Brandon Barnes (R-Sr., Atlanta, Ga., Lipscomb) posted 11.

New Mexico State takes on Idaho, the fifth seed, which upset the top seed, Utah Valley in the other semifinal. The finals are set for 7 p.m. and will be televised by ESPN U.