LAKEWOOD, CO- The Cougars took on Mines at home on Monday evening after a shattered backboard postponed the contest originally scheduled for this past Friday. The crowd was loud and proud for the home finale, and Colorado Christian put on a tremendous show led by a career night from Schafer Reichart to upset the Orediggers 83-81.
Reichart got his night started immediately, scoring a quick basket to put his team ahead. Jacob Everson and Bradley Land connected on jumpers moments later as the Cougars came out of the gates with a fire under them. Reichart connected on a jumper later in the half, and consecutive three-pointers from Land sent the crowd into a frenzy as CCU took a 24-15 advantage. Reichart then converted a three-point play as the home team led 27-15 midway through the half.
The Cougars stayed ahead, always punching back when Mines tried to get close. Reichart was unstoppable, turning the corner with fervor on possession after possession and finishing layups through contact and with a hand in his face. A small run from Mines to close the half sent the teams to the locker with CCU on top 42-36.
The Orediggers were intent on finding their way back into the lead in the beginning stages of the second half, and they immediately went on a 5-0 run to cut the deficit to just one led by a three-pointer. From there, Reichart took over again as he scored the next seven points for his team en route to a 49-47 lead. The teams went back and forth from there, exchanging baskets to tie or take the narrow lead as with 10 to go in regulation the Orediggers led by just one 63-62.
Eventually Mines started hitting three-pointers to take a six point lead, and it was up to the Cougars to respond and stay in the game. They did just that as a pair of free throws and another Reichart jumper made it just a two point gap. With exactly three minutes left on the clock, Reichart made another layup to tie the game at 78 apiece. Three more from Reichart sent CCU ahead 81-78, but Mines star Majook Deng drilled a three to tie it with 29 seconds left at 81. After a timeout, the Cougars went to their calling card all night, and Reichart made an incredible jumper through contact with 4.9 seconds left to give his team the lead. A last chance attempt from Mines did not fall, and Colorado Christian celebrated the 83-81 upset over the Orediggers.
Reichart was unbelievable all night, scoring a career high 34 points on 14-19 shooting with 5 rebounds, 5 assists and a steal. Land followed with 17 points and 9 rebounds, while Nic Zeil chipped in 9 rebounds. The win marked the first for CCU over Mines since 2013, and their first on their home floor since February of 2007.
The win closed the Cougars' slate of home games this season in style, and they will now head to South Dakota to take on Black Hills State on March 1 at 7 p.m. MST.
