CCU Men's Basketball took to the road to play the Grizzlies of Adams State University on Friday, December 29^th, at 7:30pm. After a neck and neck game, ASU was able to come out with the win with a final score of 85-83.
 
Both teams were coming in to the game off of tough losses and a long break, leaving both eager for a win. CCU came in with a conference record of 2-4, and ASU was sporting 3-3 in RMAC play. Last time the two teams met it was a nerve-racking game much like tonight, resulting in a win for the Cougars with a score of 74-73.
 
The Cougars started off the game playing aggressively, dealing 4 of their 8 first half fouls in the first three minutes of play. The game was a close one throughout the first half, but the lead was primarily maintained by ASU. At one point the Grizzlies were up by 8, but the Cougars were able to shorten that to 2 after a three point shot from the corner by Stefan Hackethal to end the half. This made the score going into the locker room 42-40.
 
Leading the team in points in the first half was Jeremiah Hanson with 10, followed by Stefan Hackethal and Isaiah Hanson each with 9. Both teams finished the half with 16 rebounds.
 
The Grizzlies maintained the lead coming in to the second half, and at one point created a 13-point difference. Picking up their defensive efforts, the Cougars tightened the deficit to 2 with less than eight minutes left to play. It only took a minute for the Cougars to tie up the game 69-69 after a layup from Isaiah Hanson to set the tone for the remainder of the game.
 
Right after the five-minute mark, Adams took a blow when they had their second player foul out.
 
With a minute left to play, the Cougars were down by one. A crucial put back by Stefan Hackethal put the Cougars up by 1 with thirty seconds left to play. This was followed by an ASU foul that put Tyler Murrell on the line. Making both shots, Murrell gave CCU a three-point lead of 83-80.
 
The Grizzlies were quick to respond and tied up the game 83-83 after a three pointer from the right wing with ten seconds left to play. Adams defense did not let down and forced a turnover from the Cougars. The Grizzlies took advantage of the possession and put up a shot right under the basket to make the final score 85-83.
 
Leading the Cougars in points, rebounds, and steals was Jeremiah Hanson. His numbers were 26, 7, and 4 respectively. Only three points behind was his brother Isaiah Hanson with 23. Once again both teams were tied in rebounds with 35 overall.
 
The loss gives the Cougars a conference record of 2-5, and an overall record of 3-10. The next game will be hosted in Lakewood, CO on January 4^th at 7pm against Westminster College.