LAKEWOOD, CO- The Cougars picked back up RMAC play in the New Year on Tuesday as they hosted UCCS inside the CCU Event Center. In a back and forth battle, Porter Bazil hit a layup at the buzzer to send the hosts to a thrilling 88-87 victory over the Mountain Lions. 

UCCS began the game on a 7-0 run, but Joshua Reid stopped the streak with a layup. Reid and Pierce Bazil continued the offensive rhythm with layups, and a Jimmy House three and pair or Reid free throws made it just 18-16. Rob Matos drilled a three-pointer to put his team ahead 21-20 midway through the half. 

The Mountain Lions went on another run to take an eight point lead, but CCU cut that advantage to two with a Matos jumper. UCCS eventually took a seven point lead to the break. 

Pierce quickly nailed a three to start the second half, and he continued to take over with a three-point play moments later. Schafer Reichart put in a layup, while Pierce slammed home a dunk to get his team within one. 

Porter Bazil made a layup, and another Pierce dunk had the crowd on their feet with CCU ahead 75-69. CCU hung onto the lead until the 3:16 mark when the visitors tied the game at 79 apiece. The final stanza featured three lead changes and three ties, with UCCS eventually taking an 87-83 lead with 22 seconds left. Lincoln Cantrall drained a clutch three, and the Cougars had to foul with a little under five seconds left on the clock trailing by one. The Mountain Lions missed both free throws, and Cantrall rebounded and got the ball to Pierce. He tossed the ball quickly ahead to Porter, and the junior won his team the game with a tough left handed layup at the buzzer with his left hand. The bench emptied and mobbed their teammate as they celebrated the thrilling 88-87 victory. 

Pierce paced his team with 31 points, and Reid chipped in 12. Porter and Reichart had 11 followed by Matos with 10. Reid had nine boards while Matos dished out six assists. 

With the huge victory, CCU will hit the road to take on CSU Pueblo on January 10 at 3 p.m. MST.