Colorado Christian University's magical post-season run came to a disappointing end Saturday, stopped by UC Colorado Springs in the semi-finals of the NCAA South Central Region Tournament. Though they'd looked unstoppable heading into Saturday's matinee, the Cougars couldn't maintain the streak they began a month ago – a run of wins and exceptional play that had the 19-14 squad in the business of upsets and records.
 
Though they beat UCCS a little more than a week ago, Christian struggled against the run and gun Springs squad this time around. The Mountain Lions came out firing, unwilling to allow CCU to control the pace of the game as they had in the RMAC Shootout. The result was a 41-31 halftime score that had the second-seeded Lions up and relaxed heading into the break.
 
Still, no matter the system, no matter the pace, this year's Cougar squad is used to performing when they're stretched. Though UCCS pushed the blue and gold, Colorado Christian never backed down. Flashing a tenacity that carried them through the post-season's nine-game win streak, CCU hung around with pesky defense and fast buckets. The Mountain Lions led by 23 with 11:28 remaining, but the Cougars would cut that lead to six in no time.
 
"If you know something about this group, you know our team has constantly overcome obstacles," explained Head Coach Tim Hays. "Even after the half, when it went from 10 to 16 in two quick plays, we called a timeout and I told them I knew they would make a run at this thing."
 
Thanks to a sizzling 50% efficiency from the field in the second, the Cougars had their chances late. UCCS held on, however, again pushing the pace and scoring when they needed to hold their sixth-seeded opponents at bay. Damage done in the first half – including too many open looks missed by the Cougars – assured the Mountain Lions would get the win.
 
"At this time of year, teams have to finish. UCCS finished extremely well with the opportunities they had."
 
Though Christian struggled a bit offensively, the same could not be said for their defensive effort. CCU's D looked sharp once again, forcing Springs into 30 turnovers – a season high for the Cougars. Unfortunately, UCCS would recover their possessions by out-rebounding Colorado Christian 46-31.
 
While UCCS advances to the Regional final, the loss marks the end of the road for CCU. For this year's seniors – a group who has grown accustomed to adversity - the set-back stings all the more. Fans of the team know, however, that the group can leave with their heads held high.
 
"As a player and as a team, when it's all said and done, you want to say you left everything on the floor," said senior Christina Whitelaw. "That's what we did, tonight and this season. We fought till the end."
 
Whitelaw finished the contest with 15 points and seven assists, while Kate Louthan added 14 points and six boards.
 
"This has been an incredible stretch of basketball," concluded Hays as his sixth season at the helm of the Cougars drew to a close. "I couldn't be prouder of where they're at or prouder of how they played."
 
Fans that made the trip to Canyon, TX, and fans back home in Lakewood echo the sentiment.