While the calendar might have just recently changed to 2015, Colorado Christian was well aware of the implications of this weekend.  A tough pair of games began with the Cougars facing the ThunderWolves of CSU-Pueblo Friday night in Lakewood.
 
A fast start combined with excellent contributions on both ends of the floor gave Christian the 84-67 win over CSUP and drew the Cougars even with Pueblo in the RMAC standings at 6-4.
 
Christian raced out of the gates quickly, wasting no time stating their intentions for the night. It was an aggressive, confident squad that had the home crowd fired up from the outset. Perhaps no one embodied that aggressiveness more than junior Wayne McCullough.
 
McCullough's thunderous dunk and subsequent free throw completed a three-point play and had CCU up ten points just over eight minutes into the game. The Hockley, TX native poured in a game-high 20 points while finishing a perfect 8-8 from the free throw line.
 
McCullough was just one of five Cougars who finished the game in double figures, though. The balanced offensive effort also featured Michael Brown's thirteen points, twelve from David Whitmore, and ten apiece from Tyler Shields and Andrew Squiers.
 
The point guard Squiers nearly doubled his season average in assists Friday, tallying seven while only committing one turnover.
 
Much of the offensive production could be traced to the defensive energy that Christian exhibited from the tip. The hosts held Pueblo to just 33% shooting in the first half and 41% for the game, and forced the Wolves into 17 turnovers on the evening. Those turnovers proved costly as CCU turned those mistakes into an incredible 37 points of their own.
 
"Our kids a great job tonight setting a defensive tone early against a very talented and well-coached Pueblo team," said Head Coach Kevin Lubbers. "We took care of the ball well tonight and I thought we played one of our most complete games of the season so far."
 
Lubbers was also quick to acknowledge the preparation that went in to pulling off the big win.
 
"Our assistant coaches continue to do a great job with scouting and game preps, and put our guys in positions to be successful and make plays."
 
Friday night's victory was impressive and well-deserved but there is little time to do any celebrating. CU-Colorado Springs pays a visit to Lakewood on Saturday, and the Cougars will have a chance to knock off the #8 ranked Mountain Lions who enter with a 14-2 mark and hold an 8-2 record in the RMAC. Saturday night's tip is slated for 7 pm.