Williams key in Lobos' victory over Long Beach State

From the Santa Fe New Mexican.com - by James Barron - PORTLAND -- This is when clutch players respond.  With the momentum waning, the crowd siding with the underdog and all that's on the line is a game and a season.  This was when Kendell Williams arrived.  What the 6-foot-3 sophomore did in the waning moments of fifth-seeded The University of New Mexico's 75-68 win over No. 12 Long Beach State in the second round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament on Thursday went beyond the all-too important baskets he hit.  Williams proved himself to be an all-around asset to the Lobos with his defense and his cool demeanor. He brushed off the significance of his 3-pointer with 4:38 left in the second half that tilted the advantage to UNM, 62-61. The same with the running hook shot he hit with 85 second left that boosted the Lobos (28-6) to a 70-66 lead.  Of course, he already had his mind on Saturday's matchup with No. 4 Louisville, a 69-62 winner over 13-seed Davidson, for the right to go to the Sweet 16.  And it's that complete package that makes UNM head coach Steve Alford drool over Williams' potential.  "He's always had that ability to make really big plays, if not by pass, by shot or by the free-throw line," Alford said. "Or now what he's developed into, which has been unappreciated all year, is the type of defensive player he is." Read more 

Williams key in Lobos' victory over Long Beach State