CHADRON, NE – The solid start didn't result in the right finish.
A strong second half by Chadron State led them to a 79-60 win against the Cougars in the RMAC opener for both teams.
HOW IT HAPPENED: A majority of the first 20 minutes saw Colorado Christian hold the advantage. The Cougars built a 24-15 lead with 7:21 left until intermission. However, Chadron State had a strong hold over the remaining moments of the stanza.
Chadron State built some momentum during the final minutes as the Eagles scored the last seven points and held Colorado Christian scoreless during the last 2:53. Moreover, the home team went 15-for-20 from the charity stripe in building their eight-point edge (37-29).
After the break the Eagles built their edge to 45-33 and eventually pushed that lead to 54-38 with just under 13 minutes left in the contest. The final push for Chadron State all but put the game out of reach. The home team took a 20-point lead at the frame's halfway point and never let the Cougars within 16 points down the stretch.
COUGAR LEADERS: Jake Hornick led the team in scoring as the senior dropped 18 points on the strength of an 8-for-13 shooting effort. Spencer Hoffman was solid as he tallied 14 points and eight rebounds. Justin Engesser went for 12 points to round out the double-digit scorers for the Cougars.
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
- Chadron State held a plus-19 (50-31) edge in rebounds
- The Eagles 22 offensive rebounds led to 21 second chance points
- Colorado Christian was held to nine made field goals in the second half
UP NEXT: The Cougars travel back to the Denver area for a Saturday evening contest at MSU Denver. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.
