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As Dionne Marsh creeps closer to surpassing Abby Garchek to become the University of New Mexico's all-time leading scorer, the comparison is inevitable: Who was better?

In making any sort of judgment between these two outstanding Lobos, it's important to note Marsh and Garchek played different positions and brought vastly varied skills to the basketball court.

Garchek, the blonde, pony-tailed sharpshooter with a contagious smile, finished her career at UNM (1994-98) with 1,836 points and a 15.8 scoring average.

She was an offensively gifted shooter with a sweet jump-step drive and was the Lobos' go-to scorer when the shot clock was winding down or the team needed a clutch basket.

The soft-spoken Marsh does most of her scoring from close range and has a knack for getting fouled. About one-third (583) of Marsh's 1,762 career points so far have come from the free-throw line.

Garchek reigned from the perimeter, where she hit 164 3-pointers in her career compared to nine for Marsh.

Though they scored in different manners, both Garchek and Marsh have been equally valuable to their respective teams.

Garchek carried the Lobos to their first NCAA appearance in 1997-98, a season in which she set the scoring record with 666 points.

The Garchek-Katie Kern-Tamika Stukes era began the winning tradition of Lobos women's basketball. Those teams over-achieved and set the foundation for the long-term success of the program. Garchek's bubbly persona and penchant for points helped attract fans during Flanagan's early years.

Marsh has been just as critical to the current Lobos, taking over the role of targeted player after the departure of Jordan Adams.

The Lobos have advanced to the NCAAs in each of Marsh's three previous seasons.

Marsh has been a consistent if not spectacular scorer throughout her UNM career despite the fact she draws double- and triple-teams against most foes.

She opened the season in sixth place on the school's career scoring chart but has since passed Yvonne McKinnon (1981-85), Jean Rostermundt (1976-80), Alison Foote (1981-85) and is threatening to eclipse Adams (1999-2003) to move into second place behind Garchek. Adams tallied 1,798 points as a Lobo.

Marsh, with 1,762 points, needs 37 to overtake Adams. She trails Garchek by 74 with four games left in the regular season plus the Mountain West Conference tournament.

At her current scoring pace (14.6 points per game), Marsh would have 1,820 points entering the MWC tournament. She would need 17 points in the first round to take the top spot.

Marsh also is climbing the all-time rebound charts at UNM. She ranks seventh in that category with 682 rebounds. Garchek finished with 638, 10th all-time at UNM.

So the question remains: Marsh or Garchek? Garchek or Marsh?

The comparison is so close it's difficult to decide.

A flip of a coin might not be a bad idea. But I'll go with a gut feeling to determine the winner.

Garchek gets my vote because of her pioneering spirit that lifted the Lobos to unexpected heights.

If Marsh can somehow get this year's young Lobos squad into the dance, then a recount might be necessary.