LAKEWOOD, CO – Developing a culture sometimes takes a whole season. And when that development pays off at the close of a season, the perseverance getting to that point makes it worthwhile.
Colorado Christian was all smiles as they closed their season with its third straight win as they rallied in the second half for a 76-67 win against Chadron State.
HOW IT HAPPENED: The Cougars burst out to a 14-8 lead only to see Chadron State score 12 unanswered points in taking a six-point edge (20-14) with just under 11 minutes left until intermission. The Eagles continued to hold a single digit lead the rest of the stanza. A last second shot from DJ McDonald didn't connect as the visitors went into the locker room up 38-36.
Teddy Parham was a difference maker for Chadron State as the guard tallied 18 points on 6-for-8 shooting in 16 minutes.
The game reset itself during a three possession stretch for Colorado Christian as Ross Williams, McDonald and Christian St. Germain each hit three-pointers to knot the score at 45-45. The Cougars then took a 47-45 lead on a Chol Adup lay-in with 15:26 remaining.
Colorado Christian continued with that momentum as they grew their lead to 59-49 with 9:25 left after a pair of Andy Stafford free throws. The Eagles defense clamped down as they chipped away at their deficit. They pulled within 64-63 with just over two minutes left in regulation.
The critical possession came when Justin Engesser nailed a top of the key three-pointer as the shot clock expired with 57 seconds left. The bucket gave Colorado Christian a 70-64 lead. Chadron State never got closer than those six points down the stretch.
QUOTABLE: "We definitely have a resilient group and it definitely starts with our coaches. Coach Simmons is an intense guy and demands excellence. We got on a bad streak to start the season but the last three games we really came together and figured it out. It is unfortunate that the season is over but we did a good job the last three games of just pulling together and learning how to win," Engesser said.
On the three-pointer with 57 seconds left: "I was looking at the shot clock and just shot it. When it went in, it was just kind of poetic. As a senior, to hit that shot and to have everyone go crazy. Running back after that shot went in, I just got goose bumps."
COUGAR LEADERS: McDonald scored a team high 21 points on the strength of a 10-for-11 effort from the charity stripe. He also dished out a season best six assists. Ross Williams added 15 points while Stafford (14) and Engesser (10) each registered a double figure scoring night.
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
- In the second half, Colorado Christian went 18-for-21 from the foul line
- The victory seals the Cougars three-game RMAC winning streak since the 2016-17 season
- Colorado Christian won the scoring in the paint 22-18
UP NEXT: Season complete.
