Spartans win in OT

There's a reason why basketball is played by the young. Because we're too old for this. San Jose State and New Mexico State were tied at 66 after 40 minutes, the Spartans then scored six points, the Aggies four in the extra period and SJSU claimed a 72-70 victory.

After a Troy Gillenwater trey put NMSU up one with around 30 seconds left in the second half, Adrian Oliver missed on a shot, Wil Carter's tip was too strong but Matt Ballard collected the rebound and was fouled on his putback attempt.

0.7 seconds remained.

Ballard missed the first free throw and Coach Marvin Menzies called a time out to ice the junior. His second attempt nestled into the net, forcing the extra five minutes.

In the OT, Oliver buried an acrobatic fadeaway jumper in the lane to put the Spartans up by two. A Hernst Laroche dribble-drive and shot tied the game.

After a Ballard miss, Carter tipped the ball in to again edge SJSU ahead. Laroche penetrated and passed to West who dunked, knotting the game once again.

Keith Shamburger then hit what turned out to be the eventual game winner with an in-the-key seven-footer with 1:56 showing.

Both teams eventually traded missed shots until New Mexico State fouled with 19.5 seconds on the clock. SJSU inbounded but the ball went off Oliver's hands and the Aggies were awarded possession.

Laroche dribbled down the clock, then went left, followed by a pair of Spartan defenders. He sent the ball to Gillenwater who missed on a wide open top-of-the-key three attempt. Laroche grabbed the rebound, his shot in the lane also was errant and the horn sounded.

Oliver led with 36 points and Carter posted a double-double of 10 points and 11 boards

A major congrats to Justin Graham for becoming the all-time Spartan assist leader tonight.

More tomorrow.