LAKEWOOD, CO – Christmas came early for Colorado Christian with a win against South Dakota Mines 76-69. 

HOW IT HAPPENED: For the first time this season the Cougars did not score the most points in the third quarter. Colorado Christian got out to a hot start in the first with 25 points which is the most the Cougars have scored this season in the opening frame and the second most points they have scored in a quarter this season. 

The Cougars and Hard Rockers headed into the second quarter tied when Colorado began to pull away. The Cougars scored 17 in the quarter including a 7-2 run in the middle of the quarter. 

The Cougars never trailed in the third quarter, with the lead never being less than three as Colorado Christian continued to pour it on, heading to the fourth with a 10-point lead over South Dakota Mines. 

The large lead helped out in the fourth as the Cougars stumbled a bit, with the Hard Rockers outscoring them by three, 18-15. Colorado Christian never let the game get closer than a three-point game and rode a strong three first quarters to a 76-69 win. 

COUGAR LEADERS: Lourdes Gonzalez led the Cougars with 24 points which is the most points for a Cougars player this season. McClain Walker had 14 points and Taylor Ferris had 11 points. 
Ferris also led the team with seven rebounds and Walker led in assists with four. 

INSIDE THE BOXSCORE

•    The bench helped fortify the Cougars win with 35 points 
•    Freshman Riley Wade scored her first collegiate points with a free throw
•    Cougars scored 17 points off turnovers
•    13 of those points were also fast break points. 

FROM THE PLAYERS: "This was a really big win for us. I think it was important to head into the break with a victory. We have been close in every game so far. We have been learning to play with each other. Without having a regular preseason that has really affected us. We knew that this would be a tough start to the season."

"We have some room to grow and we have some great shooters. We haven't been shooting in games as well as we have been in practice but we are getting there. Talent wise I think we can compete with anyone in the RMAC." – Lourdes Gonzalez

UP NEXT: The Cougars are finished with 2020 as their next contest will be January 2 against CSU Pueblo at the CCU Event Center.