New Mexico knocked one more team off the list of unbeatens. The Lobos handed Wichita State its first loss of the season, beating the eighth-ranked Shockers 71-68 on Friday night in the semifinals of the Las Vegas Classic.

New Mexico players celebrate after upsetting Wichita State, 71-68, in the Las Vegas Classic in Las Vegas on Friday, Dec. 22, 2006. (AP Photo/Keith Shimada)

"It's a road game and it's a huge victory," said Jamal Smith, a Las Vegas native who had 13 points and five assists for the Lobos (9-2). "We came out and showed them we're a high-caliber team. It was a great experience against a great opponent."

The Shockers weren't at full strength as forward P.J. Couisnard, the second-leading scorer (12.0 ppg), missed the game because of a stomach virus. It ended a streak of 31 straight starts for the junior, who went to the arena with the team.

"We kept looking around for P.J.," Wichita State coach Mark Turegon said. "I should have kept him back at the hotel. I couldn't believe it. It didn't feel right."

The loss leaves four undefeated teams in Division I: No. 1 UCLA (10-0), No. 14 Connecticut (10-0), No. 21 Oregon (10-0) and Clemson (11-0). All but Connecticut play Saturday.

New Mexico will play Kansas State, which beat Southern California 68-55, in the championship game Saturday night. Wichita State and Southern California will play for third place.

Tony Danridge scored 17 points for New Mexico, while J.R. Giddens, who did not play the final 15:39 after injuring his left foot, added 14.

Wichita State went on a 17-5 run, which included two 3-pointers by Sean Ogirri, to get within 45-44 with 11:00 left. New Mexico then went on an 8-2 run and the Shockers never got closer than three points the rest of the way.

"We respect Wichita State. It took an outstanding effort from our bench to pull this one off," New Mexico coach Ritchie McKay said. "We were pleased with the outcome."

Kyle Wilson had 23 points and nine rebounds for the Shockers (9-1), whose last loss was to George Mason in the NCAA tournament's round of 16 last March.

The Lobos held a 33-19 halftime lead after Wichita State shot just 29 percent from the field (8-of-28), including going 1-of-10 from 3-point range. New Mexico, which did not go to the free-throw line in the first half, went 7-of-17 from 3-point range in the opening 20 minutes.

"We didn't come out ready to play," said Wichita State's Matt Braeuer, who had seven points. "In the second half, we played with more intensity and heart. We don't like to lose. We'll learn from it and come back tomorrow."