With an opening night date set with the nation's third-ranked team, Colorado Christian Women's Basketball has had their sights set on November 14 for some time. Eager to play after a long pre-season, the new-look Cougar squad – retooled and rebuilt from 2013-14 – took to the Event Center court on Friday hopeful for a huge season-opening upset. Unfortunately, the season's first win wouldn't come against the Drury Panthers. DU won the contest 84-76, despite serious threats in the closing minutes from the home Christian squad.
CCU opened the night on top, jumping out to an early lead and then owning the advantage for much of the first half. Unfazed despite chilly numbers from the field, the Panthers hung on – eventually taking a 30-27 lead into the half-time break.
Both squads turned things up in the second as misses turned into makes and the pace quickened. Playing with a firm resolve, Colorado Christian battled Drury tooth and nail, fighting back each time the visitors mounted a significant lead. Each time it seemed the Panthers would run away with the game, CCU notched a timely stop or hit a clutch shot. Among the night's big moments were a pair of
Taylor Torres treys which helped pull the Cougars to within five with just 13 seconds left to play.
Unfortunately, that was the closest the blue and gold would get to the upset. Drury nailed their free throws down the stretch to assure the eight point win.
Though CCU beat the Panthers on the boards (42-39), DU got the win thanks in part to 18 Cougar turnovers and a 50% second-half clip from downtown.
Pacing the Christian offense were returners
Taylor Torres (18 points) and
Claire Paxton (17 points). While Torres earned 14 of her points at the line or from behind the arc, Paxton helped CCU to a 30-point performance in the paint. The sophomore from Edinburgh, UK scored all but one of her points under the basket.
Kate Louthan added 12 points to go along with a team-best nine rebounds.
CCU finished the night with a 44% clip from the field but a meager 22% from three.
The turnaround will be quick for the 0-1 Cougars – they'll return to the court Saturday for a 5pm contest against Palm Beach Atlantic. The Sailfish shot 35% and committed 19 turnovers in Friday night's 70-59 loss to Colorado Mesa.
