LAKEWOOD, CO – The win and opportunity for a national statement was within reach but the deal couldn't be finalized.
While the Cougars stayed close throughout they couldn't grab an upset victory as No. 9 Colorado Mesa came away with a 78-67 win on Saturday evening.
HOW IT HAPPENED: Despite trailing 15-8 in the early minutes, the Cougars bounced back after the second media timeout. During a four-plus minute stretch, Colorado Christian responded to their deficit and tied the score at 17-17 when DJ McDonald hit a three-pointer with just over eight minutes then took the lead (19-17) right after the third media timeout of the stanza.
With both squads shooting over 50 percent from the floor, Colorado Mesa nudged ahead in the closing moments as they took a 38-33 lead into the locker room.
The visitors scored quickly as they got their advantage to 11 points (46-35) with just under 18 minutes left. However, Colorado Christian answered the call as they stay within striking distance of the lead. As the contest ticked down to the final minutes the Mavericks didn't get their lead back into double digit with Colorado Christian getting as close as five points.
While nursing their lead, Colorado Mesa held their advantage with possessions deep into the shot clock to thwart any Cougars attempt at a comeback. Colorado Christian couldn't pull closer than seven points in the last minutes.
COUGAR LEADERS: Andy Stafford had a team high 20 points while grabbing a Cougar best nine rebounds to just miss his second straight double-double.
Ross Williams registered a 14-point effort while McDonald tallied 13 points on a 5-for-9 shooting effort.
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
- Colorado Christian (14) and Colorado Mesa (12) hit the same number shots in each half
- Colorado Mesa went 21-for-25 for the charity stripe with the Cougars going 3-fo-4
- It was the first time Colorado Christian hosted a top 10 team since Jan. 15, 2015 (No. 8 UCCS)
UP NEXT: The Cougars complete their three-game homestand on Saturday when they host UCCS for a 7 p.m. contest.
