COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – University of Colorado Colorado Springs junior forward Brittany Hernandez led both teams with 25 points, 12 rebounds and four steals as the Mountain Lions (10-5, 6-3 RMAC) defeated Colorado Mesa 65-55 tonight in the Gallogly Events Center. UCCS out-rebounded the Mavericks (8-5, 5-4 RMAC) by a 44-33 margin.

The Mountain Lions took an early seven-point lead against the Mavericks after back-to-back three-pointers from Jen Vigil. Colorado Mesa scored the final five points of the quarter to cut the lead down to two points at 17-15 by the end of the period.

The Mavericks scored the first five points of the second quarter to take their first lead of the game at 20-17. The lead change was the first of five in the quarter and the teams were tied at 32-32 after a three-pointer from Jennah Knafelc 19 seconds before the end of the half.

UCCS outscored Colorado Mesa 16-3 in the third quarter and didn't allow a field goal in the half to open a 48-35 lead against the Mavericks. The Mountain Lions build a 19-point lead at 56-37 with 7:17 to play before allowing the first field goal of the second half with 6:53 to play. Colorado Mesa pulled within eight points with seven seconds to play but wouldn't get any closer as the Mountain Lions secured the win.

Hernandez finished with her fifth double-double of the year and her third in the last four games. She has scored at least 20 points in the last four games and recorded a season-high with 12 rebounds. Hernandez made three blocked shots tonight and has had multiple blocked shots in the last four games.

Shannon Kelly scored eight points with nine rebounds, three assists and a pair of steals Knafelc led the bench with nine points with a three-of-five performance from the three-point line.

UCCS will remain at home and face Colorado Mines on Friday, Jan. 15, at 5:30 p.m. The Orediggers (11-2, 9-0 RMAC) are first in the conference standings and defeated Fort Lewis 65-63 tonight.