PUEBLO, CO- The Colorado Christian men's basketball team played their last game of 2021 on Friday at Colorado State University Pueblo. The Cougars battled hard but fell short, falling to the Thunderwolves 89-80. 

HOW IT HAPPENED- Colorado Christian took the lead early in the game on a jumper from DJ McDonald to make the score 5-4. Isaiah Alonzo then drilled a jumper, and consecutive layups from Darius Henderson and Ross Williams had the Cougars ahead 11-6. Andy Stafford connected from beyond the arc to retake the lead for his team with 12:34 left in the half. 

Jason Gallant played well all night, and he went on a mini-run with seven minutes left in the half. Gallant nailed a three-pointer, hit a jumper and a pair of free throws as the two teams traded baskets. Stafford hit another shot from deep and the Cougars headed to the break trailing by just one, 40-39. 

Alonzo put his team back in front with a layup to take the lead to 43-42. The Thunderwolves hit a string of shots to gain some separation, but Williams responded with back-to-back threes to pull the Cougars back within three. Williams continued to pour in points with another shot from deep and a jumper. 

Stafford and Alonzo joined the action from beyond the arc with a pair of buckets, but CSU Pueblo continued to be efficient on offense. The Cougars fought to close the gap, but ultimately could not get any closer than nine as the Thunderwolves claimed the 89-80 victory. 

COUGARS LEADERS:

Ross Williams led his team with 23 points while Jason Gallant poured in 18. Isaiah Alonzo led the Cougars with eight rebounds and also paced the team with six assists. 

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:

• The Cougars outscored the Thunderwolves 12-4 in points off turnovers
• The two teams tied in fast-break points with eight apiece
• The lead changed 12 times and the score was tied just once in the game