LAS CRUCES, N.M. — Paul Baker shaped the game for the University of New Mexico tonight's win against New Mexico State University.

Baker, a senior running back, rushed for 146 yards on 37 carries as the Lobos defeated the Aggies 35-24 extending UNM's winning streak against the Aggies to six consecutive games dating back to 2002.

"I knew I had to pick it up," Baker said. "I knew I could get 20 plus yards, and I had to do it."

One week ago Baker played only 10 snaps and ended with 2 yards rushing on four carries in UNMs 56-14 loss to Tulsa, but Saturday night the senior put the Lobos ahead of the Aggies 28-24 with a 3-yard running touchdown with four minutes remaining in the game.

"It looked like it was going to be a repeat of last week, but somehow they hung in there and made the plays," UNM coach Rocky Long said. "Our team ran well. The offensive line has blocked well for three weeks; it was good enough tonight, and thats all that matters."

The momentum had shifted in the Lobos favor after UNM cornerback DeAndre Wright intercepted a pass from NMSUs Chase Holbrook late in the third quarter.

The Lobos ended the turnover drive with a 22-yard field goal that pulled UNM to 17-16 for the narrowest margin to that point in the game.

The play shifted back and forth until an 18-yard touchdown by Jermaine McQueen and a failed 2-point conversion pulled the Lobos to within two points of the Aggies at 24-22, and Bakers TD closed the gap and took the lead in the final quarter.

The Lobos attempted and missed their second 2-point conversion play of the night after Baker scored, but a 44-yard touchdown by James Wright extended the score to 35-24 two minutes later.

"That is as good of a rivalry game as you are ever going to get," Long said. "Both teams made plays, both teams had a chance to win, both teams were excited and both teams played extremely hard."

The Aggies led the majority of the game after Holbrook connected with A.J. Harris on the first snap of the game, and Harris sprinted down the sideline for an 84 yard-touchdown.

The Aggies repeated the offensive performance less than four minutes later with a 79-yard pass from Holbrook to junior Marcus Anderson. When coupled with Hughes second point after, the Aggies extended the margin to 14-0.

Holbrook finished the night with 382 yards passing and as he went 24-for-38. The senior quarterback passed 9,000 career yards in both passing and total offense.

"I thought he gave it a terrific effort, but it wasnt enough," NMSU coach Hal Mumme said. "We did not play well in any aspect of the game."

The Aggie offense was led by 121 yards and two touchdowns from Anderson and 116 yards receiving by Harris.

Redshirt freshman Brad Gruner started in the shotgun for UNM in place of injured quarterback Donovan Porterie. Gruner completed 7of 16 attempts for 55 yards.