Hawkins and Nelson combined for 13 points in the first six minutes of the game as New Mexico State (18-4, 8-1) built a 17-2 lead. Nelson finished with 20 points and 10 rebounds, and Hawkins added 18 points.
Boise State cut the lead to 67-62 on a reverse Matt Nelson layup with 2:26 to play. Moments later Anthony Thomas and Coby Karl combined for three free throws to get Boise State within two.
But on the ensuing possession Nelson scored under the basket and was fouled. He would hit the bonus free throw to give the Aggies a 70-65 lead.
With the Aggies leading 72-68, Karl had the chance to make it a single possession game but missed one of two free throws with 33 seconds left With the win, the Aggies stayed atop the conference standings