LAKEWOOD, CO- The Cougars closed pre-conference play with a tilt against #13 Eckerd College inside the CCU Event Center on Saturday. In another upset at home, CCU took down the Tritons by a final score of 72-67 to send them into RMAC play with tons of momentum. 

Maggie Phipps started the scoring for her team with a three-pointer, but early on the Tritons looked strong as they pulled ahead 10-3. Agnes Paul responded with a layup, and later a pair of Maggie Hutka jumpers sent the teams to the second quarter with Eckerd leading just 17-14. 

A three-point play from Paul immediately tied the game in the second, and a Victoria Perez three sent the hosts ahead 26-24. Five points to close the half saw the visiting Tritons take a 29-26 lead into the break. 

Paul took over to begin the third quarter, scoring six straight on a pair of free throws and consecutive jumpers to give her team the lead. The two teams traded blows from there, and eventually EC took the 42-38 lead late. Regan LoConte and Hutka made sure their team did not go into the final period trailing, helping CCU go on a 5-0 run to close the quarter with a 47-44 advantage. 

Perez hit another three with seven minutes to go as the lead stretched to eight at 56-48, and Paul got in on the barrage from downtown with a three-pointer of her own to send her team back ahead eight later in the quarter. The Tritons battled back to within three late, but a Perez jumper and free throws from Hutka sealed the thrilling 72-67 victory over Eckerd. 

Hutka led the offense with an impressive 21 points and six rebounds, while Paul poured in 18 points with five rebounds. Perez also registered double digit points with 12, while Dasiya Jones grabbed eight rebounds to lead her team. 

With a pair of victories over nationally ranked teams in non-conference play, the Cougars carry plenty of momentum into RMAC play next week. CCU will begin RMAC play on the road at New Mexico Highlands on December 1 with tipoff set for 5 p.m. MST.