NEW YORK -- Despite blowing a seven-point lead and missing a shot at the buzzer in regulation, the men's basketball team held off New Mexico, 83-81, in overtime last night at Madison Square Garden.

With the win, the Lions finished the season 25-9 and in third place of the National Invitation Tournament. The 25 wins are the most in the history of the program.

Penn State led 66-59 with 3:21 left in regulation but missed five of seven free throws down the stretch, allowing New Mexico (20-14) to force overtime.

"We missed some foul shots that could have given us a really big cushion," Coach Bruce Parkhill said. "And (New Mexico) cashed in on some great individual plays."

With 2:57 left in regulation, center Ed Fogell missed the front end of a one-and-one, and a minute later guard Freddie Barnes gave the Lobos another chance when he missed the front end of his, one-and-one.

New Mexico's Darrell McGee hit a 15-footer with 1:32 left and Willie Banks canned a 10-footer just 14 seconds later to pull the Lobos within three, 66-63.

New Mexico cut the lead to 69-68 with less than a minute remaining, and when Barnes hit just one of two free throws, a tie loomed. Sure enough, McGee hit an eight-foot leaner to even the score at 70.

"We got back in the game with the press," New Mexico coach Dave Bliss said. "We were scrapping a little bit more and we made some key shots and I thought we got it going a little bit. But we still had the opportunity to win."

Ed Fogell, playing in his last collegiate game, had a chance to win the game in regulation but missed a short layup with no time on the clock.

"I couldn't believe I missed it," Fogell said. "I think I might have seen (7'2" center Luc) Longley out of the corner of my eye. I think I rushed it a little, which I shouldn't have."

The lead changed hands six times in overtime before backup forward Dave Degitz made a three-point play to put Penn State ahead 79-78 with 1: 08 to go. The Lions then hit four straight free throws before McGee's third 3-pointer of overtime made the score 83-80 with six seconds remaining.

"This is one of the more gratifying wins we've had," Parkhill said. "I can't tell you how proud I am of these guys, especially the way the game transpired.

"I think it's been really tough to play a consolation game in postseason," the coach continued, "During the regular season that's great, we love to play the games. But when you get to the Final Four and you're upset about not winning, it's real difficult to play a consolation game."

NOTES: James Barnes was named to the all-tournament team. Joining him on that squad were Vanderbilt's Todd Milholland, New Mexico's Luc Longley and Charles Newberry and Anthony Bonner of St. Louis . . . Although much speculation has surrounded Coach Parkhill and the head coaching position at Virginia, the Associated Press reports today that Xavier coach Pete Gillen may be the favorite for that post.