LAKEWOOD, CO – The Cougars were back home for the final weekend of the season as they started the weekend off against the fourth ranked team in the RMAC, Black Hills State. The teams traded blows back and forth, staying close the entire time before the Cougars pulled away at the end for perhaps the biggest upset victory in the RMAC this season. A total team effort helped the Cougars take the win, 55-51.
HOW IT HAPPENED: The Yellow Jackets came out hot, getting a 10-2 lead less than three minutes into the game. The Cougars fought back nicely during the rest of the quarter and ended things 17-11 heading into the second, Black Hills State leading.
The Cougars came out quick in the second, cutting the lead to one just moments into the quarter. The remainder of the half was a tight contest, with neither team leading by more than five. Black Hills State held the lead going into the locker room at half but it was still anyone's game as the Cougars shot over 40% from the field in the second to keep it close.
The high flying offenses slowed a bit in the third, with neither team breaking the double digit point mark as the defense for both sides was outstanding. An eight point lead for the Yellow Jackets at the start of the quarter was cut to three by the end.
With the Cougars closing fast the fourth quarter was bound to excite and it did not disappoint. The two teams were neck and neck with Black Hills State still holding a slight lead. The Yellow Jackets extended the lead to six with just under six minutes remaining. Possibly brought to life by the crowd, the Cougars went on a 10-0 run capped off a Lourdes Gonzalez layup to bring the Cougars up four. The Yellow Jackets got within two but the Cougars hit clutch free throws and came out victorious.
COUGAR LEADERS: Four Cougars reached double digits in points, led by Brookelyn Hurlbut with 15, Gonzalez had 12, Sam Nunez and McClain Walker followed it up with 11 and 10 points as well. Gonzalez led the team in rebounds with 15 which was the most by a Cougar this season and was Gonzalezes fifth double double. Nunez led the team with three assists and three steals.
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
- The Cougars scored 20 points off turnovers
- The Cougars had 12 points off the bench
- The Cougars had 11 steals
UP NEXT – The final game of the season, Colorado Christian will face Chadron State at the CCU Event Center.
