Patterson, Kirchoff Lead Strong Offensive Night Against Cowgirls

LAS VEGAS, N.M. - Sam Patterson scored a game-high and season-best 23 points and led the University of Colorado Colorado Springs to its fifth-best scoring performance in program history as the Mountain Lions (6-2 / 4-1 RMAC) defeated New Mexico Highlands (3-6 / 3-2 RMAC) tonight in the Joe A. Wilson Complex.

UCCS was dominant in the first half, as it led 56-34 at the break and shot 63% from the field, 50% from three-point range and a perfect nine-of-nine from the free throw line. The Mountain Lions also outrebounded the Cowgirls 21-to-12 while holding the Cowgirls to just 38% from teh field.

UCCS was led on offense in the first half by sophomore guard Abby Kirchoff, who recorded 12 points with three rebounds and three assists. She finished with 20 points, six rebounds and five assists.

Jeri Pikul also put in eight points in the first half and went a flawless three-of-three from the field and two-of-two from the three-point line. She ended the game with 12 points, shot four-of-five from the field and added five assists and two steals.

The Cowgirls made a run in the second half to narrow the gap to as little as three points with 1:19 remaining, before Patterson converted on a clutch three-point-play with a layup and the free throw with 1:01 left. The play provided a six-point advantage with just more than a minute remaining, and the Mountain Lions would go on to close out the game with four-point victory.

In addition to Patterson's performance, UCCS also earned solid offensive contributions from Gabby Ramirez and Lauren Wolfinger. Ramirez finished 12 points and shot five-of-eight from the field and two-of-two from three-point range. She also added five rebounds and two assists. Wolfinger recorded nine points, five assists and a game-high of three steals.

Hannah Knight nabbed a game-high and season-best 12 rebounds on the defensive side for the Mountain Lions. She also finished with six points and three assists.

Up Next: UCCS will stay in New Mexico to face Western New Mexico (1-8, 0-5 RMAC) Saturday night, with a tip-off time of 5:30 p.m.