Cook and New Mexico State win 79-73 in OT vs Liberty after Aggies' Carpenter ejected for punch

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NMSU's Robert Carpenter ejected from game for punching Liberty player

New Mexico State's Robert Carpenter is immediately ejected from the game after punching a Liberty player in the face.

Updated: Feb 2, 2024, 11:10 am

LAS CRUCES, N.M. -- — Christian Cook scored 27 points and Jaden Harris added four points in the overtime as New Mexico State defeated Liberty 79-73 on Thursday night in a game where Aggies' forward Robert Carpenter was ejected for punching a player.

Carpenter was tossed for punching Liberty forward Shiloh Robinson in the face in the first half.

New Mexico State coach Jason Hooten apologized to Liberty coach Ritchie McKay for the incident. Hooten expects Carpenter will be suspended for his actions.

Cook also contributed six rebounds for the Aggies (10-12, 4-3 Conference USA). Harris scored 17 points, shooting 4 for 11 (3 for 6 from 3-point range) and 6 of 7 from the free-throw line. Femi Odukale was 4 of 8 shooting and 3 of 8 from the line to finish with 11 points, while adding 10 rebounds and three steals.

The Flames (13-9, 2-5) were led by Zach Cleveland, who finished with 23 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, three steals and two blocks. Kaden Metheny added 16 points and Brody Peebles had 13 for Liberty.

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.