LAKEWOOD, CO- The Cougars had the second cross-town rivalry game of the week, taking on visiting Colorado School of Mines Saturday afternoon. The Orediggers offense proved too much for the young CCU team, losing 68-77.

Visiting Colorado School of Mines would open up the game scoring a quick layup the first minute of the game. Hayley Luther would continue to shine for the Cougars, as she would open up the scoring from beyond the arc to give the Cougars their first lead of the game. The next couple minutes would see a lot of back and forth from both sides, with Elise Grosdidier, Samantha Wattawa, and Jordon Heckert all getting on the board early. Heckert would continue to heat up scoring 7 points in the first quarter, the teams going into half 17-18 in the Orediggers favor.

The second quarter opened up with Mines Sofia Baldessari scoring two points as she continued to dominate in the paint, but was quickly answered by the likes of Elise Grosdidier and Samantha Wattawa both scoring in the paint. Several three pointers from the Orediggers would propel Mines ahead, Hayley Luther responding with a three of her own. Mines would find themselves with the 9 point advantage going into half, leading the Cougs 30-39.

The dynamic duo of Luther and Heckert would continue to battle coming out of halftime, scoring a combined 10 points in just under three minutes. Despite the strong offensive showing, the Cougars would have no answer to the Orediggers in the paint as they slowly pulled way throughout the third quarter. The contest would see the score of 48-60 entering the final quarter with the Orediggers leading the Cougars.

The final quarter would tick on with Mines leading the Cougars in double digits, but the Cougars refused to give up without a fight. With 4:30 left in the game, Samantha Wattawa would drain two free throws, force a turnover, dishing the ball to Hayley Luther for a quick four point turnaround. Wattawa would steal the ball yet again just five seconds later, assisting Heckert for the and-one, converting to a three point play. The home crowd was on their feet as the Cougars were able to cut the lead to 6 in just those short 30 seconds. Several drives and converted free throws would lift the Orediggers to regain the lead and close out the game, ultimately winning by 9 points.

Despite the loss, Jordon Heckert would have an excellent night, leading the team with 27 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals. Hayley Luther and Samantha Wattawa would follow, the only players in double digits, with 14 and 12 points respectively. Wattawa and Ja'Shelle Johnson would lead the team with 8 rebounds each.

The Cougars will be back in action in Durango, CO against the Fort Lewis Skyhawks on Thursday, January 22^nd with tip-off scheduled for 5:30 pm MST.