McNeil Records Programs First Triple-Double in 76-73 Win Over La Roche

(PITTSBURGH, Pa.) - Senior Colin McNeil (Ringoes, N.J./Hunterdon Central Regional) of the Carnegie Mellon University men's basketball team recorded the programs first triple-double, as the Tartans defeated the visiting Redhawks of La Roche University Wednesday, 76-73. The win marks the Tartans fourth straight as they improve to 4-2. La Roche is now 1-5 on the season.

McNeil, the nation's leader in assists per game, finished the contest with 10 assists, 10 points and a career-high 10 rebounds. The senior also tied a career-best with four steals in the win.

Carnegie Mellon shot 50.8% from the floor while holding La Roche to 39.2%. The Tartans are now 3-0 this season when shooting higher than 50% from the floor. For the third game this season, Carnegie Mellon had five score in double figures with juniors Daniel Weiss (Marlboro, N.J.) and Ethan Miller (King of Prussia, Pa./Upper Merion) each chipping in with 15 points. Senior Zach Howarth (Freehold, N.J./St. John Vianney) added 11 and senior Trent Suddeth (Winter Park, Fla./Trinity Prep) joined McNeil with 10 points.

Kennedy Smith led the Redhawks with 27 points while Tyler Frederick and Darius Lawrence each added 13.

Carnegie Mellon used a 20-5 run midway through the first half to lead by 19 points. The Tartans stayed in control and maintained its double-digit advantage at the break, as the teams went into the locker room with the home team ahead 43-27.

The Cardinal and Gray opened the second half on a 9-2 run and led 52-29. Over the next four minutes, the Redhawks used a 10-1 run to cut the deficit to 53-39 with 13:45 to play, but Carnegie Mellon responded with a 10-2 spurt and led 63-41 with 12 minutes on the clock.

Late in the second half, La Roche put together a 15-4 run and cut the Tartans lead to 71-67. A triple by Miller with just under two minutes to play pushed the lead back to seven. The visitor's then scored the next two baskets and made the score 74-71 with 59 seconds showing on the clock. McNeil then connected on a pair of foul shots before one last bucket was scored by La Roche to end the scoring at 76-73.

Carnegie Mellon will host Penn State Behrend on Saturday, December 7. Tip is set for 2:00 p.m. on the hardwood of Skibo Gymnasium.