CCU traveled close by to Colorado Springs to play the UCCS Mountain Lions on Saturday night. The Lady Cougars were striving towards their eighth consecutive win, but were defeated 74-69, making their record 11-4 and 8-3 in conference.
 
The Cougars were up for another tough fight against a very talented CU-Colorado Springs team who is 6-4 in conference.  The RMAC produces extremely competitive basketball so there is never a guaranteed win.
 
The game started with CCU battling back and forth on the court for possession, but being overrun by the Mountain Lions. They were behind pace and struggling to catch up. UCCS' squad was quick and aggressive, which Christian was having a hard time adjusting too. The first quarter ended 17-16 in the Mountain Lions favor with a buzzer beater layup.
 
CCU went into the second quarter hoping to get a lead on Colo. Springs, but was unsuccessful as the point gap grew larger. It was simple, the Cougars were not making any shots, and the Mountain Lions were. UCCS shot 50% from three and 47% from the field, while Christian shot 33% from downtown and 35% from the field.
 
With six turnovers happening in the second, CCU trailed a consistent ten points behind UCCS. Besides blue and gold's struggling offense their interior defense was a brick wall. The Cougars had 21 rebounds and five blocks compared to the Lions 18 rebounds and one block. The score was 38-30 at half-time, CCU down.
 
 Christian gained some momentum after the break, and was given some opportunities by UCCS to score. They went into the fourth and final quarter only down six points 51-45.
 
It didn't matter that UCCS ran their home court the entire night, it all came down to the last five minutes of the quarter. CCU's shooting percentage gradually went up, and they were able to take the lead right under seven minutes 56-55. It was a let down in defense next that allowed the Mountain Lions a six point lead 68-62 with two minutes left in the game.
 
The Cougars fought hard to get the win in those final minutes, but faced a heart-breaking loss 74-69.  Christian shot 41% FG, 28% 2FG, and 84% FT.
 
Leaders were Kate Louthan with 15 points. Taylor Torres had nine points, seven assists, and two steals. Claire Paxton had four blocks, and Ali Meyer had three blocks and nine rebounds with ten points on the board. Alex Nelson contributed 11 points and two blocks.
 
Colorado Christian Women's Basketball will be back on their home court the last two weekends in January. Their next game is at the CCU Event Center vs Western State Colorado University. Tip-off is set for 5 PM.