Despite a second-half surge by Colorado Mines, Colorado Christian withstood the pressure applied by the hosts to leave Golden with a 72-68 victory on Friday night, and seal the #3 seed in the RMAC tournament next week.
 
Christian was in control for much of the night, even jumping out to a 16 point lead over the Orediggers late in the first half, but the Cougars would be pushed to their limit to come away with their fifteenth RMAC win.
 
Claire Paxton's layup with 54 seconds remaining in the second half broke the deadlock, and two late free throws by Kate Louthan sealed the Christian victory in this year's final regular season game.
 
Paxton was a key player for CCU, coming off the bench to score 15 points, block two shots, and grab two steals in 30 minutes of action. Paxton and the rest of CCU's bench would be a big factor on the night, outscoring the Orediggers' reserves 25-6.
 
Paxton was one of four Cougars to score in double figures. In another one of her typical showings, senior Christina Whitelaw showed her versatility with 14 points, five rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Taylor Torres poured in 15 while knocking down a couple of big shots from beyond the arc, and Kate Louthan just missed out on a double-double with her 11 points and nine rebounds.
 
Mines climbed back into the game using a 10-0 run over a three minute stretch in the second period, but after a timeout, Colorado Christian regrouped and put a quick halt to the CSM momentum. The Cougars locked down defensively and held the Orediggers to just four points over the last five and a half minutes of action.
 
With another tight victory over Colorado Mines, the Cougars wrap up RMAC regular season play at 15-7, and seal the third seed in the conference tournament. Christian will host either Black Hills State or Fort Lewis on Tuesday night in Lakewood.