LAKEWOOD, CO – Hoping the comforts of a home game would provide the desired outcome, the Cougars couldn't nudge into the win column despite a strong effort from behind the arc.

Westminster used a solid defense to aid in their 83-77 victory against Colorado Christian on Friday evening. The Griffins overcame 16 made three-point goals from the Cougars.

HOW IT HAPPENED: The opening 20 minutes saw the Griffins hold a lead for a majority of the stanza as they took a 38-28 edge into the locker room. Both teams hit 42 percent of their field goal attempts but the visitors forced the Cougars into 14 turnovers which they translated into 15 points on the offensive end. Colorado Christian made half of their 12 three-point attempts to keep them within striking distance of the lead.

In the second half the Griffins forced nine more Colorado Christian turnovers. They grew their lead to 20 points early in the second half. The Cougars slowly dwindled their deficit down into the single digits. The home team pulled as close as five points when Ross Williams hit a three pointer with 59 ticks left but couldn't get within a single possession of the lead in the second stanza.

COUGAR LEADERS: Justin Engesser and Williams each registered a team high 17 points while Andy Stafford notched another double-double with a 14-point, 11-rebound performance. Williams also contributed a team high six assists.

DJ McDonald added a 15-point effort in 34 minutes.

INSIDE THE BOXSCORE

• Westminster finished the game with a 29-8 scoring edge in points off turnovers
• The Griffins scored 44 points in the paint
• Colorado Christian's 16 three-pointers tied a season high

UP NEXT: The Cougars return to the court on Saturday night when they host No. 9 Colorado Mesa at 7:00 p.m.