CHICAGO - On paper it looked like it would result in a blowout from start to finish.
Early on it didn't quite work out that way for the New Mexico State men's basketball team Thursday night in the Windy City. That is until one of Chicago's favorite sons - playing in front of nearly 100 family members who made the journey to the Jones Convocation Center - stepped to the forefront of the action to make sure no doubts remain on what team remained the favorites in the WAC.
Playing in his home town for the first time in his collegiate career, Evan Gilyard II sparked a 20-4 New Mexico State run over that last 7:24 of the opening half by scoring seven-straight points and the Aggies rode that surge to a 71-49 triumph over Chicago State.