Pikul’s Proficient Performance Leads Mountain Lions to Milestone

LAKEWOOD, Colo. -  The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (11-4 / 8-3 RMAC) defeats Colorado Christian (9-6 / 6-5 RMAC) tonight  80-64 to move into fourth place in the RMAC at the halfway point of the season. The 11-4 record marks the best start to a season for UCCS in program history.

The Mountain Lions started the game on a 10-1 run, led by Kellie Krueger, who had four points in the first three minutes of the game. Krueger was playing great until she left the game with an injury.

The most proficient three-point shooting team in the RMAC executed their deep threat in the first half, as the Mountain Lions shot 50 percent, going five-of-ten from long range in the first half. UCCS also shot 45 percent from field as they led by as many 14 points en route to a 38-33 lead at the break.

Jeri Pikul had eight points in the first half, shooting three-of-four from the field, converting on both attempts from downtown. Pikul finished the game with 16 points shooting seven-of-nine from the field and two-of-three from beyond the arch.

A foul with 30 seconds left in the half sent Gabby Ramirez to the free throw line for two attempts. Ramirez made the first attempts, missed the second attempt, but retrieved her own rebound and completed the unorthodox three-point play. Ramirez shot 50 percent from everywhere in the first half, going three-of-six from the field and one-of-two from downtown and the free throw line. Ramirez recorded 16 points in the game on 60 percent from the field and three-of-five from downtown.

UCCS kept continued their great shooting in the second half, as they went on a 12-0 run out of the break. The Mountain Lions finished the game shooting 50 percent from the field, recording 10 more assists than the Cougars.

Hannah Knight had a great second half as she recorded 10 points and eight rebounds in the half. Knight finished with a double-double, just the third on the season for the team, as she had 10 points and 10 rebounds.

The reigning RMAC offensive player of the week, Abby Kirchoff, also warmed up in the second half, as she recorded 10 of her 13 points.

Lauren Wolfinger, known for her long range threat, did not convert on any of her attempts tonight. That did not matter though, because Wolfinger still had a great performance overall, as she recorded seven points and nabbed a game-high and career best of 12 rebounds.

Up Next: UCCS continues conference play next weekend on the road, as they travel to play Black Hills State (5-9 / 4-6 RMAC) on Friday night and Chadron State (3-11 / 3-7 RMAC) on Saturday night.