Mountain Lions win RMAC opener over CCU

Julie Richards set a new school record for blocked shots in a game as the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (2-4, 1-0 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference) won its conference opener 59-44 over the Colorado Christian Cougars Friday night in the Lionsâ€^TM Den.

Richards blocked eight shots, breaking a school record of seven that she previously shared with Corrissa Johnson. Richards also added a game-high 14 rebounds.

The Mountain Lions jumped out to a 15-0 lead and didnâ€^TMt allow the Cougars to score a field goal until nearly eight minutes into the game. The Cougars were able to slowly chip a away at the Mountain Lionsâ€^TM lead and had it to single digits by the half, 26-18.

Colorado Christian cut the lead to as little as six with 17:50 to go in the second half. On their next three trips down the floor, the Mountain Lions scored on second-chance opportunities, first two Megan McGee rebounds and put backs, then, Jennine Sauter added one of her own. That stretch pushed CU-Colorado lead back to 12 and the Cougars never recovered.

"I was very happy with the way we went to the glass tonight," said Coach Marty Fletcher,” “Especially on the offensive end.”

The Mountain Lions had 18 offensive rebounds and out-rebound the Cougars 52-40 overall.

McGee led the Mountain Lions with a career-high 21 points on 8-for-12 shooting. McGee had 11 rebounds and shot 5-for-9 on 3-PT FG. She scored 15 of her points in the second half where the Mountain Lions led by as many as 23 points.

CU-Colorado Springs held Christian to 26 percent shooting and forced the Cougars into 21 turnovers. The Mountain Lions didnâ€^TMt shoot much better, 31 percent, but they had crisp ball movement and got open looks much of the night.

“Although our shooting percentage is not at the level we would like it, we did a good job tonight of moving the ball and making the extra pass.” said Fletcher