COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The University of Colorado Colorado Springs opened a 14-point lead midway through the first half but couldn't maintain the advantage as the Mountain Lions (3-8, 2-4 RMAC) fell 81-60 to Colorado Mines (9-3, 4-2 RMAC) at the Gallogly Events Center. TreShawn Wilford led UCCS with 14 points.

The Mountain Lions scored the first eight points of the game and reversed the trend of the last three games of large opening runs by their opponents. Colorado Mines cut the lead down to two points at 13-11 at the 13 minute, six second mark, before UCCS scored the next 12 points to build a 25-11 lead with 10:51 to play in the first half. The Orediggers closed out the half with a 9-2 run to make it a one possession halftime lead for the Mountain Lions at 40-37.

UCCS scored on three of its first four possessions in the second half for a 46-39 lead with 18:18 to play, but Colorado Mines put together a 20-1 run to take advantage at 59-47 with 9:57 remaining. A three-pointer from Blend Avdili 21 seconds later ended the field goal drought for the Mountain Lions, but UCCS couldn't overcome 70 percent shooting from Colorado Mines in the second half in the loss to the Orediggers.

Wilford went six-of-10 from the field and two-of-two at the three-point line. He also led the team with four assists and two steals. Brandon Malone went three-of-five from beyond the arc and added a pair of field goals within the three-point line for 13 points tonight. Justin Smith added 10 points to round out the offensive leaders. 

The Mountain Lions will be off from competition for nearly two weeks during the Division II off week, and will be back in action at home on Friday, Dec. 30, against Western State. The Mountaineers (2-8, 1-5 RMAC) lost 103-80 to Colorado State-Pueblo tonight.