Colorado Christian Women's Basketball fell to a talented CU Colorado Springs team Saturday, losing 80-66 to the RMAC-leading Mountain Lions in Lakewood.
 
Already facing a challenge against UCCS, the Cougars could hardly afford an off-night in any part of the game. Unfortunately, an off-night is just what they had – offensively and on the boards. In the first half, CCU started slow, unable to score against an aggressive Springs defense. Though tied at threes early on, UCCS commanded control of the game with a 20-6 run that had Christian down 23-9 with seven to play in the half. Exacerbating the problem was a ferocious Springs effort on the boards – the Mountain Lions finished the half with 26 rebounds, 13 of them offensive.
 
By the close of the period, the Cougars were shooting just 28%, and were 0-for-4 from downtown.
 
Things went a similar way after the halftime break. Though CCU shot better in the final 20, the Mountain Lions did too, making the hole too tough to climb out of for the blue and gold.
 
Christina Whitelaw led the Colorado Christian effort, tallying a season-best 17 points thanks to a 7-for-10 showing from the line. Claire Paxton and Kate Louthan added a combined 24, while Kayla Fakelman added nine off the bench. For UCCS, guard Abby Kirchoff scored a game-best 28.
 
The Mountain Lions finished the game with a 51-35 rebound advantage, getting an impressive 22 offensive boards. Former Cougar Brittany Hernandez totaled 14 rebounds – eight of them offensive. For Colorado Christian, Claire Paxton notched 11 for her second double-double of the season.
 
Now 6-11 on the year and 5-4 in RMAC play, CCU will return to the road this week. The Cougars travel to Fort Lewis and Adams State Friday and Saturday.