CCU saw a big second half lead disappear and were forced into overtime by New Mexico Highlands, but came up big in the extra period and came away with a 110-106 victory over the Cowboys.
 
Senior Michael Brown led all scorers with 26, Wayne McCullough added 22 and the Cougars used a 22-point outburst in overtime to get the win.
 
On a night when Colorado Christian's six seniors were honored before the game, Highlands did their best to spoil the occasion in front a raucous home crowd at the Event Center.
 
For much of the night the Cougars looked the superior side, and also looked like they would put Highlands away after building a lead. To the Cowboys' credit, though, they refused to lie down or concede the victory.
 
CCU built a nine-point halftime advantage by attacking the rim nearly every chance they got. Senior point guard Andrew Squiers led the charge with 14 first half points while earning ten attempts from the foul line. Fellow senior Tyler Shields, who would finish with 20 points, scored 16 in the opening period and was a huge part of an efficient Cougars offense that shot 61.5% from the field in the first twenty minutes.
 
The physical nature of the contest slowed the pace of the game in the second half, and Highlands used it to their advantage, scoring in the paint while cooling down CCU from the field.  
 
While the momentum had slowly shifted to Highlands, the hosts were quick to reclaim it as overtime got under way. The Cougars used a 14-4 run, capped by a clutch three point jumper by Michael Brown, to overwhelm NMHU. After 45 minutes of basketball, Christian walked away with a tenth win on their home floor and a senior night triumph.
 
"It was really fun to honor our seniors tonight. Each of them in their own way has made enormous contributions on and off the court," remarked Head Coach Kevin Lubbers. "I am really humbled to have had the opportunity to walk alongside them on their journey and wish nothing but the best for them in the future.
 
"Their parents and families have so much to be proud of and as coaches we are thankful to them as well for entrusting us to work with these young men."
 
Colorado Christian will travel to Golden next Friday to take on Colorado Mines in the final game of the regular season. The Cougars will seek a third straight win and look to upend the Orediggers who narrowly beat Christian in December.