Colorado Christian traveled to Pueblo on Friday night to take on CSU-Pueblo in a battle between two of the top teams in the RMAC. The Thunderwolves got the last laugh on the night as they were able to beat the Cougars by a final score of 54-65.
 
Both teams were evenly matched up in the first half as neither team was able to seize control in the first 20 minutes of play. A made three pointer at the end of the first quarter gave CSU-Pueblo a two point lead heading into the second quarter 19-18. During the second quarter, both teams clamped down defensively. CCU was able to hold the Thunderwolves to just 15 total points in the second quarter, but unfortunately they were unable to make up any ground as they were only able to manage 12 points of their own. At the half Colorado Christian trailed by four points 30-34.
 
The Cougars finished the first half shooting 38% (11-29) from the field, and 30% (3-10) from beyond the three point line. Claire Paxton was the leading scorer for the team in the first half with six points. Taylor Torres, Chandler Sturms, and Leisha Crawford all chipped in five points as well. Kate Louthan finished the half as the leading rebounder with five, and also dished out five assists.
 
The defensive battle continued in the third quarter, as both teams tried to position themselves for the win. With just over five minutes left to play in the third quarter, CCU had trimmed the Pueblo lead down to just three points, but from that point the Thunderwolves went on a 10-4 run to finish out the period.
 
Colorado Christian began their comeback attempt as the fourth quarter began, and just four minutes in they had cut the lead down to just four points. However, the rest of the quarter belonged to CSU-Pueblo as they were able to continue their strong defensive effort and held on to win by a final score of 54-65.
 
CCU struggled shooting in the second half as they were only able to hit on 9-31 (29%) shots, which brought their overall shooting percentage for the game down to just 33% (20-60). Claire Paxton was the lone Cougar to score in double figures for the game as she finished with 14 points. Kate Louthan was the leading rebounder with 10, and also led the team with nine assists.
 
 The loss drops the Cougars record to 17-7 overall, and 14-6 in RMAC play. They will be back in action on Saturday night as they will travel down to Gunnison, CO to take on Western State Colorado University. Tip is scheduled for 5PM MST. 

DNL