After traveling to Oregon for a couple games, Colorado Christian opened up their weekend taking their first win of the season over the Knights of Warner Pacific University with a final score of 85-79.
HOW IT HAPPENED: Starting off the game with a 9-0 lead, the Cougars came out strong. The Knights began to full court press after the deficit and were able to get into their rhythm to make it a game. With nine minutes left Warner was able to make it a 1 point game, and took their own one point lead with six minutes left. However Colorado Christian went on a 6 point run after a tip-in from Terry McFadden and four free throws from Jake Hornick to give them a more comfortable lead. Going into the locker rooms at the half, the Cougars had a 7 point lead with a score of 38-31. Leading at the half was Justin Engesser with 11 points, followed by 8 a piece from Terry McFadden and Braxton Tucker.
Coming into the second half the Cougars were the first ones on the board yet again after a layup from Braxton Tucker, assisted by Justin Engesser. Thanks to a 3 from Jeremiah Hanson the team took their biggest lead of the game of 14 points. The Knights weren't giving up yet and fought back to shorten the difference to just 4 with 3 minutes left in the game. Staying steady from behind the free throw line, Colorado Christian prevailed to take the win with a final score of 85-79. Despite Warner outscoring them in the second half by one, the lead the team created in the first half allowed them to take the win.
COUGAR LEADERS: Leading the Cougars in their first win of the season was Braxton Tucker with 21 points. Right behind him was Jeremiah Hanson with 19, and Justin Engesser with 17. Engesser also earned a double-double adding 10 rebounds.
WHAT'S NEXT: The win gives the Colorado Christian an overall record of 1-2. Finishing up the weekend with an good matchup, the team will face the home team, the Wolves of Western Oregon University on Saturday, November 16th at 8pm MST. The first home game will be the Friday after Thanksgiving at 3pm against Haskell.
