LAS VEGAS, N.M. – It took more than strong shooting to stay in the game against a team that went to the NCAA postseason last year.

Despite an outstanding shooting effort, the Cougars fell behind early and could not rally as New Mexico Highlands notched a 102-81 victory on Saturday evening.

HOW IT HAPPENED: Despite notching a season high effort for points and tying a season best shooting performance (58.2 percent), Colorado Christian could not overcome an early deficit and 21 turnovers. New Mexico Highlands scored 27 points off those Cougar miscues.

The defending RMAC tournament champions forced the Cougars into 10 turnovers as they raced out to a 35-9 lead with just under eight minutes left in the stanza. Colorado Christian settled down offensively as they finished the half on a 21-10 scoring spree. The home team was able to take a 46-30 edge into the locker room.

In the second half Colorado Christian successful converted 20 of their 32 field goal attempts (62.5 percent but the home team shot it just a bit better. The Cowboys went 22-for-34 (64.7 percent) during the final 20 minutes.

During the last frame, the Cougars got their deficit down to 14 points (80-66) with 7:29 left but could not get any closer.

COUGAR LEADERS: For the second straight night Elijah Oliver posted the team's best scoring effort as the junior transfer had 23 points. Aidan Cantwell did not miss any of his six shots en route to his 14-point evening. Jake Hornick also scored 14 points.

INSIDE THE BOXSCORE

• The teams combined to score 107 points in the second half
• New Mexico Highlanders was plus-12 on the boards as they held a 22-11 second chance scoring edge
• The Cougars previous season high scoring effort was 80 against Simon Fraser

UP NEXT: The Cougars start their 2020 home slate as they host Black Hills State on Friday, Jan. 10 at 7:00 p.m.