The Cougar Men's Basketball Team played their equal tonight-Colorado State University Pueblo. The now #2 ranked Thunderwolves defeated blue and gold 98-94. Before this game CCU was ranked #4 at 8-3 in conference and Pueblo was #3 with a 9-2 record. It was Christian's chance to get ahead of the pack, but the hard fought battle ended in an almost comeback tough loss.
 
The first half proved to be an all-out offensive throw down by CCU Cougar #10 Dimitri Saliba. The senior scored an outstanding 24 points making all but one shot from downtown. With Saliba's efforts and the outrebounding of CSUP 18-10, Christian pulled off the lead 49-48 going into half time.
 
The second half continued in the Cougars favor as other players like Ty McGee and Brett Brady fed off of Saliba's momentum. But Pueblo's #23 reversed roles with Saliba scoring a whopping 23 points in the second half (three in the first), totaling 26 points high for CSUP. This was damaging to Christian as their opponent heated up and put the pressure on. The Cougs lost the lead at 69 points from a series of sloppy turnovers and stagnant rebounding. They were unable to gain it back even though in the final minutes there was a promising chance when there was 21 seconds left, and the score was 97-94 CSUP. Brett Brady posted up for a three and missed, with Jonathan Stevens stealing the rebound and sending it to Ty McGee who also failed to make the bucket.  The clock ran out too fast and the game ended with Pueblo up four points.
 
Three Cougars ended the game in high double digits. Saliba totaled 33 points and four assists. Brett Brady notched 29 points, and Ty McGee had 24 with four assists, nine rebounds, and three steals. Other than these three, the Cougars bench was weak in scoring.
 
"Pueblo played a very good game and executed well like they always do. We turned it over too much, gave up too many transition baskets and second chance opportunities. Effort was good, execution was not consistent enough." –Head Coach Kevin Lubbers
 
CCU will be on the road this Saturday, January 17^th vs New Mexico Highlands University.