LAS CRUCES, N.M. » New Mexico State wideout Chris Williams sprinted through the Hawaii secondary and quarterback Chase Holbrook placed a picture-perfect lob into his outstretched arms. Williams pulled it in for an 84-yard touchdown only 44 seconds into yesterday's Western Athletic Conference matchup at Aggie Memorial Stadium.

And while it was the first of many grabs for the talented senior receiver, it wasn't enough as the Warriors rallied for a 42-30 victory to hand the Aggies their fourth consecutive conference defeat.

The two-play drive highlighted New Mexico State's game plan and put all eyes on the 5-foot-8 Aggies receiver, who did not disappoint. He tied a career-high with 221 yards receiving on seven catches.

“;It was nice to see Chris get back into the groove,”; Holbrook said. “;He showed why he's one of the best in the nation. He has good speed, and it was good to see him get back in the end zone today.”;

Williams followed up the first of three TD receptions just 7 minutes after scoring the first. This time, it was a 23-yard strike that gave the lead back to New Mexico State, 14-7. Williams' part in the two scoring drives—107 yards to be exact—landed him 11th on the WAC's career yards receiving list with 3,179.

Williams delivered a third crowd-pleasing touchdown in the third quarter when Holbrook repeated the opening drive and connected for an 83-yard catch-and-run score to cut Hawaii's lead to 35-24. But the Warriors' 35-17 halftime lead was too much for the Aggies to overcome.

“;I haven't had long touchdowns this year,”; Williams said. “;It felt good to stretch my legs, get some long runs and get in the end zone a few times. We just try to build from there.”;

The 83-yard scoring play boosted Williams into a first-place tie with Lucious Davis for the New Mexico State record in career TD receptions with 32. Davis played for the Aggies from 1992-1997 and tallied 2,769 yards receiving.

For Williams—an Albuquerque, N.M., native—yesterday's performance was the 17th time he managed at least 100 yards receiving. In nine games this season, Williams has 65 receptions for 1,009 yards and seven scores. He is averaging 112.1 yards a game and proved he still has big-play capabilities.

During the 2007 season, Williams missed the Hawaii game after breaking his collar bone against Idaho the week before. Williams' last experience against the Warriors' defense was as a sophomore in 2006, when he caught seven passes for 160 yards and two touchdowns.

“;When I play against (Hawaii) I guess I just play pretty well,”; Williams said. “;It's hard to get open, but we just found some holes.”;

Despite Williams' performance, the loss ended the Aggies' bowl hopes. They haven't won since upsetting Nevada on Oct. 11.

On the defensive side, senior nose tackle La'Auli Fonoti, a Kahuku grad, delivered his best performance since joining the defensive line from outside linebacker. Fonoti tallied two sacks, including one against Greg Alexander that forced a fumble. He finished with four solo tackles and two assists.

“;This game is a big deal to our kids from Hawaii, and they really got up for it,”; New Mexico State coach Hal Mumme said.