The Cougars took on Metro State on Friday night, but were unable to come away with the victory as the Roadrunners got the victory 66-62. It was a defensive battle between the two teams, but in the end Metro was able to come out on top.
 
It was a slow start to the game offensively for both teams. Just ten minutes into the game both teams were shooting below 20% in the game as CCU had a small lead 7-6. The two teams battled back and forth for the remaining ten minutes and the Cougars were able to head into the halftime break leading by one 25-24. Isaiah Hanson was able to provide a spark off of the bench for Colorado Christian as he finished the first half shooting 4-6 from the field and 2-2 from downtown for a total of ten points. Eight CCU players were able to score in the first half, but Hanson (10) and Andre Lane (4) were the only two that had more than two points.
 
CCU shot 36% (9-25) from the field as a team in the first half and just 22% (2-9) from three, compared to Metro who shot 33% (8-24) from the field and 14% (1-7) from downtown. The Cougars had a slight edge on the glass in the first half as they outrebounded Metro 19-16. Each team had four assists and three steals. Colorado Christian turned the ball over eight times in the first, and Metro turned it over seven times.
 
The second half continued to be a defensive battle between the two teams as each fought to gain an edge. The pace of the game slowed dramatically as both teams aggressive style lead to more fouls. With 11:30 remaining, both teams were in the bonus which led to them shooting free throws the rest of the way. Halfway through the second, the score was tied 42-42. Both continued to exchange buckets and the lead and with three minutes remaining in the game Metro nailed a three pointer which gave them a two point lead that they were able to hold onto the rest of the way. The Roadrunners were able to make their free throws late in the game which was all they needed to secure the 66-62 victory.
 
CCU finished the game shooting 39% (22-56) from the field and only 19% (3-16) from three, compared to Metro shooting 36% (17-47) from the field and 31% (4-13) from deep. A big factor in the game was the difference from the free throw line. CCU hit 15-19 (79%), but Metro was able to get to the line more frequently as they hit 28-38 (74%).  
 
Leading the way offensively for the Cougars was Isaiah Hanson who scored 14 points in the game. TY McGee was the other Cougar in double figures as he had 11 points and grabbed a team high six rebounds. Every Christian player that appeared in the game scored at least three points in the game.
 
The loss drops the Cougars record to 7-9, and 3-7 in conference play. They will be back in action tomorrow night as they travel to Colorado Springs to take on UCCS. Tip is scheduled for 7:30PM MST.  
 
DNL