COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The University of Colorado Colorado Springs men's basketball team opened their season at home Friday night, charting a 69-61 win in Gallogly Events Center over the visiting Midwestern State University Mustangs.
 
After one half of action, but teams entered halftime knotted at 35 apiece behind 37 percent field goal shooting.  Both teams hit 10-of-27 field goals.  MSU was sharp from long range as they nailed six three-pointers in the first half while holding UCCS to two treys.
 
The Mountain Lions defense was stifling as UCCS accounted for 10 blocked shots and forced the Mustangs to turn the ball over 13 times, resulting in 14 points for the home team. 
 
Ed Bourke led both teams with three blocks.  He chipped in 14 points behind 6-of-7 field goals, two free throws and six caroms.
 
Padiet Wang and William Becker each tallied two blocks and combined for three steals.  Wang led all scorers with 19 points and pulled down eight rebounds, all on the defensive end.  Becker pulled down a game high 10 rebounds to go with his two blocks and four points.
 
The Mountain Lions pulled away in the second half, outscoring MSU, 69-61.  UCCS nabbed their largest lead of the game of 15 points behind a 22-0 run.
 
UCCS finished the game hitting 23-of-52 field goals (44.2 percent) but struggled at the line, sinking 20-of-32 attempts (62.5 percent).
 
The Mountain Lions return to Gallogly on Saturday to play host to Cameron at 7:30 p.m.