Gold Team Edges Blue Squad In Open Scrimmage Tuesday Night

8/28/2007 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball

Aug. 28, 2007

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Milwaukee - The Marquette University men's basketball program proved it's never too early to start thinking about the season, hosting a crowd of nearly 1,500 Tuesday night at the Al McGuire Center for an open practice and scrimmage.

The Golden Eagles are preparing for their upcoming foreign tour to Vancouver and wanted to provide MU fans with the opportunity to gain a sneak peek at the 2007-08 roster.

Following 40 minutes of drills, the officials took to the court and put the ball in the air for the first of the scrimmage sessions. The Blue roster consisted of Dominic James, Dan Fitzgerald, Ousmane Barro, David Cubillan, Jerel McNeal and Patrick Hazel. The Gold roster was led by Dwight Burke, Lawrence Blackledge, Lazar Hayward, Maurice Acker, Wesley Matthews, Trevor Mbakwe and Scott Christopherson (saw action on both teams).

The first team to net 25 points would claim the opening game and the Gold team was able to secure at 25-21 decision. Sophomore guard Maurice Acker sealed the deal with a pair of charity tosses. Junior Wesley Matthews paced the team with nine points and Hayward chipped in eight points and five boards. James topped the Blue roster with nine points, shooting 4-of-6 from the floor.

Situational play was up next for the Golden Eagles and again the Gold team was able to come out on top. The game began knotted at 60-60 and three minutes were placed on the clock when one squad reached 68 points. The Blue team jumped out to an early lead, but saw Gold charge back in the closing minute. Both squads had a chance to collect the go-ahead basket, but an overtime session was needed.

Acker had a big driving layup late in the extra session, but the victory wasn't decided until James had a 3-point attempt rattle out as time expired.

Matthews concluded the night's action with 16 points, one of four MU players in double figures. Hayward accounted for 12 points and eight rebounds and Barro chipped in 12 points and nine rebounds.

Mbakwe, who arrived on campus just days prior, collected two points, nine rebounds, two steals, a block and an assist during his night's work. Marquette will continue practice for the Labor Day excursion, which begins Friday night.