After coming back from a long holiday break, the Cougars fell to the Thunderwolves in their first game of the year. The final score had was 80-67.

HOW IT HAPPENED: CSU Pueblo jumped on an early lead in the first quarter, going up by 12 six minutes in. However Colorado Christian answered and went on an 11 point run to take the lead, 16-15. The Thunderwolves landed one last jumper to close out the quarter and take the lead by 1.

The second quarter was off to a strong start for the Cougars, with a 3 from Sarah McGinley only 10 seconds in. The teams continued to trade runs throughout the quarter, but the Thunderwolves took the final run with three minutes left to finish the half with an 11 point lead, 41-30. At the half the Cougars were led by Jordan Baer with 11 points and 4 rebounds.

Sarah McGinley had the first bucket for the second quarter in a row to get the half started. Colorado Christian continued to chip away at the deficit, and were able to shorten it by 6 going into the final quarter.

Only a minute and a half into the fourth quarter the Cougars had the difference down to 1, but were unable to take back the lead. The game continued neck and neck until the final four minutes when CSU Pueblo took their lead and ran with it. Colorado Christian tried to slow down the game and start fouling but the Thunderwolves took advantage and scored a total of 23 free throws on the night. The Cougars lost with a final score of 80-67.

GAME LEADERS: Leading the Cougars in tonight's game was Jordan Baer with 23 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Also in the double digits was Madison Price with 15, Sarah McGinley with 13, and Marie Tsoungui with 10. A notable stat on the night was the amount of blocks in the game – Colorado Christian with 8 and CSU Pueblo with 7.

UP NEXT: The loss gives the Cougars an overall record of 5-7, and an RMAC record of 3-3. The team will host New Mexico Highlands for their next game on Saturday, January 5th at 5pm.