“We found a lineup that we were really comfortable playing, a lineup we started the (previous) 20 games,” Rose said. “Now we need to find the next comfortable lineup. Tonight we could not find it.”

Falling behind so quickly then taking so many perimeter shots didn’t help.

The Cougars came in averaging 83 points a game and shooting 38 percent from 3-point range. They finished 5 of 26 on 3-pointers.

A three-point play by Charles Abouo pulled BYU within 48-37 with 14:41 left, and Fredette had a chance to cut it even further. But he missed a 3-pointer and McDonald countered with a 3 to bump New Mexico’s lead to 51-37. The Lobos’ 11-0 run continued with a 3-pointer from Jamal Fenton.

“We beat them at the 3-point line, which is a shocker,” New Mexico coach Steve Alford said. “I didn’t anticipate us beating them at the 3-point line, but holding them to five 3s that’s a big key. So defensively we did what we wanted to do and offensively we made some shots. And when this team makes shots, we’re pretty good.”

New Mexico, which beat the Cougars 86-77 on Jan. 29, were ready at the opening tip.

The Lobos hit their first four shots and six of their first seven in taking leads of 10-2 and 27-12.