News

Redmen grads wilt in OT tilt against New Mexico State

Published: 11 August 2010

SAINT LAMBERT, Que. -- Domenico Marcario scored 24 points for the second consecutive outing but it was not enough as the New Mexico State men's basketball team defeated an "alumni" squad from McGill University, 98-93, in overtime in an exhibition scrimmage on the Champlain College campus in Saint Lambert, Que., Wednesday.

Marcario netted 13 points in the first half, added eight in the second stanza and three more in overtime. The former all-Canadian at McGill, has played pro ball in Europe since graduating.

The Redmen alumni, which led 46-40 at halftime, featured four players who reached double figures in scoring, including Shawn Bowen (16 points), Will Archambault (14) and Simon Bibeau (14).

The McGill lineup was bolstered by former Canadian Olympian Dwight Walton, a 6-foot-4 swingman who was a three-time all-American in NCAA Division II. he contributed nine points.

The only players on the McGill side who were actually with the Redmen last season were Sebastian Gatti and Olivier Bouchard.

The Aggies scored the first seven points in overtime, outscoring the Redmen grads 17-12 in the extra period to secure the win. NM State had five players in double-figures with freshman guard Christian Kabongo posting a team-high 19 points. Sophomore forward Tyrone Watson had 18 while junior centre Hamidu Rahman added 17. Junior guard Hernst Laroche finished with 15 points, including two free-throws at the end of regulation to force the extra period, and senior guard Gordo Castillo tallied 14.

"This was a tough one," said Marvin Menzies head coach of the Aggies. "You could see the fatigue in the guys, and it was evident in their play because they couldn't go long stretches like they did yesterday. We settled into a nice groove at the end of the game, and this team (McGill) had a couple more additional players that play overseas and they were very tough.

"With an overtime game, I think that's great experience for us, and to be able to pull out a win this early in the year is very valuable."

After the first 20 minutes of play, Kabongo led the Aggies with 11 points. He had a quick start and scored the first six Aggie points. Castillo added nine points, which included three 3-pointers, while Watson contributed eight.

In addition, freshman guard Drew Herig scored his first basket in an Aggie uniform on a day which also happens to be his birthday.

The Aggies wrap up their fourth game in two days with an exhibition contest against Dawson College later Wednesday evening.

McGill officiallly opens their 109th season on Aug. 25 when they host the NCAA's University of Maine Black Bears in a 7 p.m. tip-off at Love Competition Hall.

New Mexico State 1st 2nd OT Tot. Pts

Christian Kabongo* 11 3 5 19

Hernst Laroche* 0 14 1 15

Tshilidzi Nephawe* 1 2 0 3

Gordo Castillo* 9 0 5 14

B.J. West* 1 5 0 6

Drew Herig 2 0 0 2

Hamidu Rahman 6 9 2 17

Tyrone Watson 8 6 4 18

Abdoulaye N'doye 2 2 0 4

Totals 40 41 17 98

McGill Alumni 1st 2nd OT Tot. Pts