SAN JOSE, Calif. (Feb. 23)-The New Mexico State men’s basketball team suffered a 72-70 overtime loss at San Jose State, which was the fourth overtime game of the year.

 

The Aggies had four players in double-figures (14-14, 8-5) with junior forward Troy Gillenwater posting a team-high 18 points. Sophomore forward Tyrone Watson and freshman guard Christian Kabongo supplied 11 each. Sophomore forward/center B.J. West scored a career-high 10 points, and junior guard Hernst Laroche recorded nine points and a season-high nine assists. NM State slipped to 1-3 in overtime games this season.

 

The Aggies trailed San Jose State, 35-33, at halftime. Gillenwater led the team with nine points. Watson and senior guard Gordo Castillo delivered six points each. Laroche added four points and five assists at the break.

 

At the midpoint of the first half, San Jose State built a seven-point advantage, 24-17, with 10:10 until halftime. The Aggies responded with a 10-2 run to take its first lead, 27-26, of the game on a Castillo 3-pointer at the 5:37 mark.

 

With the first points of the second half, the Aggies tied the contest, 35-35, on a pair of free throws from freshman center Tshilidzi Nephawe.

 

The Aggies fell behind 52-41, with 11:29 to play before the team rallied with 10 straight points to cut the Spartan lead to 52-51 at 8:46.

 

NM State evened the score at 59-59 on a Watson dunk at 3:47, and the lead changed five times in the last three minutes of regulation. The Aggies claimed a 66-65 advantage with :53 seconds to play when Gillenwater nailed a 3-poitner.  

 

On their final possession, San Jose State’s junior forward Matt Ballard was fouled on a put back with :07 seconds left. He made the second of two free throws to force overtime.

 

In the extra period, the Aggies responded to each Spartan basket and then forced a turnover down two, 72-70, with 17.9 seconds remaining. With time expiring Gillenwater’s 3-point attempt missed and Laroche’s put back didn’t fall.

 

The Aggies continue their final regular season road trip at Hawai’i, Saturday, Feb. 26 at 10 p.m.