Box Score Las Vegas, N.M. – The NMHU Men's Basketball team won a double-overtime thriller, 89-86, against the Eagles of Chadron State College on Friday night, 1/18. The highlight of this incredible game was definitely the triple-double for
Augustus French. French was a defensive juggernaut in the game, with an impressive 12 blocked shots. With the win the Cowboys, led by Head Coach Joe Harge, improve to 4-7 in the RMAC and 6-9 in overall play.
The Cowboys took the initial lead in the game, but the Eagles swung the momentum and were able to work to a 10 point lead (15-5) with 15:44 left in the first half. Chadron State held on to their advantage for the majority of the half, until the Cowboys mounted a comeback and took the lead back with 1:52 remaining. When the buzzer sounded for halftime, the Cowboys took a 41-37 lead into the locker-room.
The Cowboys controlled the first few minutes of the second half, extending their lead to six points (45-39). But the Eagles weren't out of the game just yet. They managed to regain their composure and had taken a two point lead (48-46), five minutes into the half.
The teams exchanged the lead for the next few minutes, but Chadron State would eventually gain control of the second half midway through. The Cowboys hadn't given up and they kept themselves in the game, but Chadron State was doing enough to maintain their advantage.
Things weren't looking good for the Cowboys, when the Eagles had extended their lead to eight points (69-61) with only 2:48 left in regulation. However, it was a tough defensive stand that changed the flow of the game in the final minutes of the second half.
Augustus French was blocking shots every time the Eagles would try to drive to the basket and the Cowboys were quickly transitioning to offense. They began to cut into the Chadron State lead.
Mannie Cass was fouled on a three-point shot with only 1:06 left to go and went to the line, with the Cowboys down by three (69-66). Cass was clutch, hitting all three free-throw shots to tie the game up at 69 apiece. Time ran out quickly, with the score still tied at 69-69, and the stage was set for an overtime thriller.
Chadron State was ready for overtime and they came out of the break firing. They had worked up a four point lead (75-71) just 42 seconds into the first overtime period. The Eagles led for the majority of that overtime, but the Cowboys would not give up. Lavelle McDade hit a running jump-shot with 1:04 left to tie the game up at 79-79. Time expired again and the crowd was excited to see a second overtime in the works.
Once again, the Eagles got off to a fast start in overtime number two. It took them longer, but they were able to get a four-point advantage with 2:56 left on the clock. The home crowd was visibly worried about the Cowboys' chances at that point, but they weren't done fighting.
Augustus French was still blocking everything that came near him and he was able to tie the game up for the Cowboys (83-83) with 2:24 remaining. The Cowboys were playing a stifling defense at this point and they created a turnover, transitioning to offense with amazing speed.
Dominick Baca brought the crowd to its feet with a quick three-point shot that hit nothing but net, giving the Cowboys their first lead (86-83) in several minutes of play.
The Cowboys and the home crowd could feel the momentum change and the John A. Wilson Complex was alive with excitement. Chadron State's players were spent at this point and the Cowboys took advantage of their new-found energy. The NMHU defense was overwhelming at this point and the Eagles were having a hard time finding any shots. Lavelle McDade cut the lane, making an acrobatic lay-up, to extend the Cowboys' lead to five points (88-83).
The home crowd was on their feet, urging the Cowboys on with whatever enthusiasm they could muster. A long three-pointer by Chadron State cut the Cowboy lead to just two points with 54 seconds on the clock, keeping the crowd on the edge of their emotions.
Chadron State forced the Cowboys into a bad shot and they were quickly running down the court. But they still didn't have an answer for the defense of
Augustus French. The Eagles were working for the last shot, but French rose into the air and swatted the attempt away.
Lionel Coleman came down with the rebound and the fans were ecstatic, with victory close at hand. Lavelle McDade would convert one of his two free-throw shots with only five seconds left, giving the Cowboys and three-point advantage.
McDade missed his final free-throw and the Eagles grabbed the rebound. But it was to-little to-late for Chadron State and their desperation three-pointer from half-court was off target as the final buzzer sounded. The fans jumped out of their seats with excitement, as the Cowboys had completed a thrilling victory in double-overtime, by the final score of 89-86.
Augustus French was the most dominant player in the game. He played out of his shoes against the Eagles, earning the first triple-double of his career. French scored 16 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and blocked an amazing 12 shots. It seemed like Augustus was blocking everything that Chadron State threw at the basket. He was also a perfect 10-10 from the free-throw line, to complete an incredible game for the young sophomore.
The ever consistent
Mannie Cass did not disappoint the Cowboy fans, scoring a team high 24 points. Whenever the Cowboys needed a big shot, Cass stepped up and delivered.
Lavelle McDade quietly scored 20 points for the Cowboys. The points were coming in bursts, until the final minutes when McDade took over the game with his ball-handling skills and ability to penetrate the Eagles' defense. He came close to a double-double, grabbing nine rebounds. He would also add a steal and three assists to his stats in the game.
Cass, French, and McDade all played for 44 minutes in an excellent feat of endurance. The Cowboys also received quality performances from guards
Lionel Coleman and
Dominick Baca.
This victory gives the impression that the Cowboys have finally turned the corner on their season and they will be looking to contend for a spot in the RMAC playoffs.
GO COWBOYS!!!
