LAKEWOOD, CO- The Cougars welcomed in the nearby Orediggers from the Colorado School of Mines on Saturday afternoon a big RMAC clash. Despite a big second half, the hosts could not quite complete the comeback in a 69-56 setback. 

The game started with a bang as Schafer Reichart tossed a lob to a soaring Porter Bazil for a thunderous dunk to start the scoring for CCU. Ezra Guest hit a jumper moments later, and a pair of layups from Andrew Reichart kept things tight early. 

The Orediggers went on a run in the final minutes of the half, surging ahead as halftime approached. Bobby McWard splashed in a big three-pointer before half, but Mines took a 37-21 lead to the break. 

Joshua Reid got an early tipin to go, while a three from Reid began to draw the Cougars closer. Each time CCU gained some momentum, a timely three from Mines would quell the tide as the final 10 minutes arrived. 

Pierce Bazil made every effort to keep his team in the game, willing baskets to fall through contact and hitting a three-pointer and free throws to trim the visitors lead to just five at 51-46. Unfortunately that was as close as CCU would get the remainder of the contest as a balanced attack and career night from freshman Kasen Lehman for Mines helped the visitors pull back ahead by double digits and seal the 69-56 victory. 

Pierce led CCU with 15 points to go with two steals and seven rebounds, and Reid had a double-double with 14 points and 11 boards. Porter had 11 points while Schafer dished out a team high four assists. 

The Cougars will now hit the road for a four game stretch, starting with a matchup at league leading Fort Lewis on January 22 at 7:30 p.m. MST.