STEPHENVILLE, Texas – Four University of Colorado Colorado Springs men's basketball student-athletes scored in double digits as the Mountain Lions opened their season with an 87-77 win at Tarleton State University Friday night in Stephenville, Texas.
 
The Mountain Lions started strong and grabbed a 42-30 lead at halftime after shooting a solid 56.7 percent from the floor (17-of-30). UCCS finished the game making 30-of-60 from the floor and 10-of-27 from long distance.
 
Senior Elijah Ross paced the Mountain Lions with 22 points after hitting 8-of-12 field goals, including 2-of-4 three-point field goals and 4-of-5 from the free throw line.
 
Padiet Wang chipped in 16 points on 5-of-9 field goals and pulled down a team high six rebounds.  Blend Avdili came off the bench and was strong from the floor making 5-of-7 field goals and 3-of-4 from long distance for 13 points.  Brandon Malone contributed 11 points, nine of which came from three-point range.
 
UCCS edged TSU in rebounds, 38-36, and dished out 15 assists to the Texans eight dimes.
 
The Mountain Lions will face Angelo State University Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. in a neutral-site contest.