Going into Saturday night, everyone in the CCU camp knew how vital a win against Regis University would be. Regis entered the contest with the same record, both overall and in conference, as the Cougars. Coupled with the sting of Friday's loss, Saturday was an opportunity to regain confidence and jump ahead of the visitors in the RMAC standings.
 
While it might not have been one of CCU's best performances of the season, Christian found a way to grind out the victory and bested the Rangers 67-63.
 
Regis came out firing, and built their biggest lead of the night, a nine point advantage, with just under five minutes to play in the opening half. CCU chipped away, though, and when Taylor Torres' first half buzzer beater from beyond the arc dropped in, the Cougars grabbed the lead and the momentum.
 
Neither side was able to create any separation in the second half but eventually Christian's gritty, team play held off the Rangers.
 
The host's offensive output was a balanced one, led by forward Kate Louthan's team high 15 points and game best nine rebounds.
 
"After last night it was important we came out fired up and ready to go, especially on our home court," remarked Louthan. "Unlike last night, we played really well as a team."
 
The Cougars had double digit scoring contributions from three others, including Claire Paxton's 14, and 11 each from Alyssa Fressle and Taylor Torres.
 
Although Regis shot the ball at a better clip- 49.0% to Christian's 38.3%- the Cougar defense disrupted the Rangers all night. CCU swiped 10 steals as part of the 19 turnovers the Rangers had in the game, and the blue and gold certainly weren't wasteful with the extra chances. Twenty-five of their points came after forcing a Rangers mistake.
 
"It wasn't pretty but the fact that we figured out how to play as a team, and put together some good plays down the stretch was encouraging, especially going into next weekend's home games," commented assistant coach Kelsie Hert.
 
Next weekend's home games are big showdowns, too. The Cougars meet CSU-Pueblo, who hold a one-game advantage in the standings, Friday night, followed by the RMAC-leading Mountain Lions of UCCS on Saturday.
 
Tip-off for the weekend contests are scheduled for 6pm and 5pm, respectively.