COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The University of Colorado Colorado Springs men's basketball team picked up a crucial home win against New Mexico Highlands on Friday night, defeating the visiting Cowboys 74-66.

The home standing Mountain Lions led for nearly the entire game and led by as much as 13 points late in the second half.

UCCS held the Cowboys to a paltry 14.3 three-point field goal shooting percentage in the second half as New Mexico Highlands went just 2 of 14 from long range over the final 20 minutes.

Brandon Malone paced the Mountain Lions with 16 points as Justin Smith and Dalton Walker each chipped in 14 points.

Elijah Ross added seven points while being credited with nine assists, four rebounds, and two steals.

As a team, UCCS shot an effective 46.9 percent from the field and 42.1 percent from long range.

The win improved the Mountain Lions' record to 6-10 overall and 3-7 in the RMAC as they are back in action tomorrow night when they host CSU-Pueblo at 7:30 p.m.