CCU Basketball gets their fourth consecutive victory on Saturday night vs the S.D. Mines Hardrockers. The Cougs defeated SDSMT 82-68. This puts CCU at 11-10 overall and 7-8 in conference.
 
Colorado Christian Men's Basketball came out strong against S.D. Mines on Saturday night. CCU Kept the lead the entire first half of the game. It was solid CCU defense that kept the Hardrockers from getting close. They trailed a consistent ten points behind the Cougs. Both teams were pretty even in turnovers, but Christian was able to score double the points off of SDSMT losses. In addition to executing and keeping the ball safe, Colo. Christian had three steals and four blocks. The Cougars outshot the Hardrockers in the first half 52%-46% FG, 57%-38% 3FG, and 100%-50% FT.
 
Isaiah Hanson was the only player in double digits in the first half with 11 points for CCU (4-7 FG, 3-5 3FG). Dimitri Saliba had five assists and two steals, and Jeremiah Hanson put up eight points. On the other side of the court Hardrocker Brian Orr scored ten points.
 
The minutes ran down in the second half and Christian stayed on top of S.D. Mines. Every shot the Hardrockers made the Cougars retaliated with that and more. CCU had a 16-point lead (77-61) on SDSMT with four minutes left in the game. It was one of the best team efforts all year from CCU. The game ended and blue and gold claimed the victory 82-68 over SD Mines.
 
Five Cougars scored in the double digits this game starting with point leader Isaiah Hanson who had 16. Andre Lane scored 14 points total with nine of them being in the second half. Lane also had two steals. Dimitri Saliba had six assists, three steals, and 12 points. Wayne McCullough scored 11 points and had the team high of eight rebounds. Last but not least, Jeremiah Hanson put up 10 points for the Cougars.
 
Mines had two players with significant points.  Shooter Brian Orr had 16 points, and Konor Kulas scored 17 and had 14 rebounds, seven of which were offensive. SD Mines outrebounded CCU but it was their offensive game that lost it for them. The Hardrockers shot 46% FG, 32% 3FG, and 43% FT. It was an amazing shooting night for Colo. Christian as they went 53% from the field, 46% from three, and 87% from the line.
 
Coach Kevin Lubbers commented "Great way to finish off the weekend.  We once again got contributions from different guys at good moments. The team can enjoy the victory this weekend and then we have to get back to work for Chadron on Friday."
 
Men's Basketball will be traveling to Chadron State College on Feb. 5^th. Tip-off is set for 7:30 PM.