Watson, New Mexico State top SE Louisiana

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) -- Tyrone Watson had an accurate shooting touch from the floor and free-throw line, scoring 24 points and leading New Mexico State to an 81-56 victory over Southeast Louisiana on Thursday night.

Watson was 7-of-10 from the floor and made all 10 of his free throws.

Sim Bhullar chipped in with 13 points for New Mexico State (1-1) and Bandja Sy grabbed 10 rebounds.

The game was nip-and-tuck for the first 10 minutes, and New Mexico State pulled away for a 47-31 lead at halftime.

Southeast Louisiana (0-3) pulled to within 53-47 with 12:45 left in the game, but Mexico State went on a 28-9 run to finish it off.

Brandon Fortenberry scored 21 points, including three 3-pointers, for Southeast Louisiana.