COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The University of Colorado Colorado Springs started the game on an 11-2 run and led by a double-digit margin for the final 30 minutes of the game in a 70-44 victory against Westminster (7-11, 5-9 RMAC) tonight in the Gallogly Events Center. Madi Gaibler recorded her first collegiate double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds and led the Mountain Lions (14-7, 11-4 RMAC) in both categories.

Tonight's 26-point victory marked the largest winning margin of the season, and the Mountain Lion defense recorded its best performance of the season in holding the Griffins to 44 points. UCCS shot 41 percent from the field in the fourth straight game over the 40 percent mark, and the 47 rebounds were the third-most this season. 

After the 11-2 start, the Mountain Lions assembled a 14-1 rally that spanned the end of the first quarter and the start of the second quarter to open a 27-10 lead with 5:44 left in the quarter. Brittany Hernandez scored all of her nine points in the first half as UCCS enjoyed a 36-19 advantage at halftime. The 19 points matched the best defensive performance for the Mountain Lions in the first half this season.

UCCS scored the first seven points of the third quarter and finished the period with 13 straight points to build a 59-29 advantage. The Mountain Lions led by at least 25 points for the duration of the fourth quarter to earn the 70-44 victory.

Gaibler went five-of-six from the field and two-of-two at the free throw line in her season-high 12 points. Tori Fisher, Anna Schwecke and Hernandez each finished with nine points. Jennah Knafelc made a season-high five steals and led the Mountain Lions with four assists.

UCCS will be back on the road next weekend for games in South Dakota on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 3-4. The Mountain Lions will face South Dakota Mines on Friday in Rapid City, S.D., before a Saturday afternoon game on Saturday in Spearfish, S.D. UCCS won against both teams to open the home season in December.