LAS VEGAS, N.M. – New Mexico Highlands’ Augustus French’s triple double of 16 points, 10 rebounds and 12 blocks helped spur the Cowboys to an 89-86 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference victory over Chadron State College in double overtime Friday.
While French’s triple double stole the show, he received plenty of help. Mannie Cass scored 24 points and Lavell McDade scored 20 more as the Cowboys made free throws down the stretch in regulation and both overtime periods to upend the Eagles.
The Eagles had a chance to tie the game in double overtime as time expired but the shot rimmed out.
Zac Bargen scored a career-high 33 points and Kyle Vinich added 19 points, also a career-high, to lead Chadron State.
“This is the best game we’ve played, especially on the road,” CSC head coach Brent Bargen said following the game. “I’m disappointed we didn’t get the win but I’m proud of my team.”
In regulation, the Cowboys trailed 69-66 with less than a minute to play but Cass was fouled on a 3-point attempt and sank all three of his attempts to tie the game.
The Eagles had a chance to score but Highlands gathered the defensive rebound with 25 seconds to play. However, Chadron State’s defense stood strong in the final possession of regulation and the two squads headed to the extra session.
In the first overtime, the Eagles nailed two quick 3-pointers but Highlands chipped away and managed to tie it at 79-79 from the foul line once again.
Chadron State took a quick lead after Bargen sank a trey to open the second overtime but French tied the game for the 10th time after sinking both free throws. The Cowboys then added a quick 3-pointer from Dominick Baca following a CSC turnover and McDade put them up 88-83 with a minute and a half to play after a steal and a layup.
Bargen hit a 3-pointer on the Eagles’ next possession – his sixth of the game – but the Eagles couldn’t get any closer.
In addition to career nights from Bargen and Vinich, Chadron State’s David Downey scored 15 points and hauled in seven rebounds.
Also for Chadron State, Chris Taylor scored seven points and grabbed eight boards and dished out four assists, while Kendrick Holliman and Justyn Anderson scored six apiece.