Colorado Christian University's new-look Cougars downed their second-straight RMAC foe Saturday, winning 62-56 over Chadron State to advance to 2-2 in conference play this year.
 
As they had Friday against Black Hills State, the Cougars thrilled fans with heroic efforts on both ends of the floor. An energetic Christian group connected when they needed to and then silenced the Eagles with a pesky defense that included ten blocks and 13 steals.
 
Claire Paxton and Ali Meyer led the defensive show, stopping Chadron both away from the basket and below it. Paxton finished the night with a career-best seven blocks, while Meyer tallied a career-high seven steals. As a result, the Chadron squad never really found their groove – leaving the Cougars on the winning side after 45 minutes of play.
 
"We've had a lot of set-backs with injuries the last few weeks," explained Paxton. "We really had to focus on coming into the week with a positive attitude and energy to adjust the way we needed to. We just did what we know to do, with real emphasis on the defensive end. I think that is why we were able to get both wins this weekend."
 
A tight contest at the end of regulation had both squads battling for a coveted lead. Though Taylor Torres nailed a pair of free shots with seven seconds to go to put CCU up 53-51, Chadron guard Emma Block had no trouble getting to the basket in the closing moments. Block's layup as time expired tied the game and assured an extra period.
 
Fortunately, the Cougars would assume control of the game early in OT. While Chadron struggled in a 1-for-10 overtime shooting effort that didn't include a single free throw, Colorado Christian shot 50% from the field and connected on five of eight free throws.
 
Though she fouled out midway through overtime, junior Kate Louthan wrapped the game with a team-high 20 points to go along with six assists and eight boards. Meyer added 10 points, while Paxton led all players with 13 boards.
 
Now 2-8 on the year, the Cougars will return to practice this week to prepare for the lone game left on the schedule in 2014. CCU hosts Colorado Mines Thursday before breaking for the Christmas holiday.