After recording one of the best wins in program history by defeating a Division I opponent in the University of Northern Colorado in a thrilling 70-69 victory on Tuesday night, the Cougars are now preparing to host their annual Thanksgiving tournament which will bring on two more matchups this week. First, the Cougs will face off against Westcliff University on Friday night, followed by a tilt against Kansas Wesleyan University to finish off the weekend on Saturday night.
 
 Friday 11/25/2022 vs Westcliff University 5PM MST:     Westcliff will be entering the game on Friday night with a 1-1 record early in the season. They are a talented team which averages 68.5 points per game and are accustomed to sharing the ball as they average 14 assists per game as a team. They are also good at limiting the number of second chance points allowed by opponents as they control the boards by grabbing an average of 39 rebound per game. The Warriors are led offensively by senior Josh Harrison who is currently averaging 14 points per game. Another strong weapon for Westcliff would be the man holding down the middle by the name of Olisa Ngonadi. Ngonadi is averaging a double-double early in the year with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Also if shooters are not careful he is also capable of sending shots back as he also records four blocks per game.    
Saturday 11/26/2022 vs Kansas Wesleyan University 5PM MST:     The Coyotes of Kansas Wesleyan have had a tremendous start to the 2022-23 season, in fact it has been a perfect start as their record currently sits at a stellar 6-0 overall and 3-0 in their conference play. They are led on the year in scoring by Junior Jun Murdock. Murdock is averaging nearly 14 points per game and is the main facilitator for their offense. Also a talented scorer is Senior Tyus Jeffries who is also a threat to score double digit points each time he takes the court. Holding down the inside for the Coyotes are Sophomore Alex LittleJohn and Thurbil Bile. Both have had multiple double-doubles this year with points and rebounds. The Cougars will be looking to hand the Coyotes their first loss of the season.   
Colorado Christian Leaders:     It is an extremely well-balanced attack from the Cougars on the offensive end of things. They are currently being led in scoring by DJ McDonald who is averaging 10.7 points per game early in the season. He is followed closely by Senior Nic Zeil who is also averaging double figures with 10.3 points per game. Maro Egodotaye has wasted little time in making a big impression on his new team as the freshman is averaging 9.8 points per game and also leads the team with an average of 8 rebounds per game. Sophomore Noah Kon has also had a great start to the season as he is averaging 9.5 points per game. Perhaps the most surprising part of Kon's game is the fact that he leads the team in blocked shots on the year. Proving his outstanding athleticism, 6'0 Kon has sent back four shots on the year to lead the team. A pair of Cougars are a threat from beyond the arc this year as each of them are shooting above 50% on the season. Shaylen Woodberry (6-12) and Jason Gallant (5-10).
 
Head coach Liam Simmons discussed the upcoming matchups as he said, "I am really excited for this weekend, it is an opportunity to measure ourselves against two very good teams. Westcliff is a big and athletic team that has multiple high level transfers who can impact the game. Kansas Wesleyan is a nationally ranked NAIA team who has a great style of play and players who believe in it and execute it. Both games will require us to be at our best and be great tests as we continue to discover ourselves."
 
The Cougars will be looking to take advantage of the home atmosphere, so come out and support the Cougs both Friday and Saturday at the CCU Event Center. Stay tuned to CCUCougars.com for all the up to date information about the men's basketball team and games.