Colorado Springs, COLO. - Fans saw a completely different team hit the floor tonight as University of Colorado Colorado Springs Women's Basketball dominate University of Texas-Permian Basin, 86-78.
This is UCCS' first win of the season making their record 1-1 and UTPB's 0-2.
After a tough loss last night the Mountain Lions came out with fire in their step and went on a 14-2 run in the first three minutes of play. UTPB scored the first two points of the game, but they wouldn't see another point until nearly four minutes into the first quarter. The Mountain Lions played strong defense forcing six turnovers from the Falcons.
Towards the end of the first quarter, and all through the second, the Mountain Lions lost some of the steam they started with allowing the score to get within one. Kayla Galiando proved important in amping up UTPB's defense with three steals and complimenting offensively with three assists and six points of her own. UCCS closed out the first half 42-36.
The second half started similar to the first with the Mountain Lions coming back to go on a 17-2 run, making the score 59-38. Chelsea Pearson set fire to the nets with three's from all across the arch, putting up 15 points in the quarter and going 3-4 behind the arch and 5-6 below. The Falcons started to slowly chip away at the lead again with Holly Hemmeline answering Pearson with her own three's. UCCS kept the pressure high on defense forcing nine turnovers.
UCCS kept their momentum going in the fourth quarter, keeping the pressure on with a full court press.
Freshman Ellie Moore proved vital for the Mountain Lions to keep the lead, playing solid defense as she finished the game with nine rebounds. Makenna Baker, another UCCS freshman, adds to the athleticism to the team with eight points, two assists, and three steals for the game. Pearson ended the game with an astounding 35 points, making this a game a career high.
After hosting two Texas teams, it's now the Mountain Lions turn to go to Texas as they hit the road next weekend to play in the Lubbock Christian Classic. In the tournament they will play against Lubbock Christian University and St. Mary's University. The first game of the weekend will be on Nov. 15 with tip-off starting at 1 p.m. against LCU.
