LAKEWOOD, Colo. – The University of Colorado Colorado Springs men's basketball team can't keep pace with Colorado Christian University, falling to the Cougars 80-76 in Lakewood.
INSIDE THE MATCH UP
- Final Score: UCCS 76, CCU 80
- Records: UCCS (5-6, 1-4 RMAC) | CCU (5-5, 2-3 RMAC)
- Facility | Location: CCU Event Center| Lakewood, Colo.
- All-Time Series: The Mountain Lions and Cougars have faced off in 60 games in their history, with CCU holding a 37-23 advantage over UCCS.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The first two minutes would be all Colorado Christian, with the home side hitting an opening three, then getting a turnover into a layup to jump out to an early 5-0 lead. UCCS was quick to respond, however, with Jesse Iweze being fouled on a layup attempt to earn two free throws. He would hit them both, grab a defensive rebound on the other end, then trot back to hit a three of his own, tying the game at five.
- As the first half continued, both teams stayed close as each team's score climbed into the twenties with each side trading leads, but none being more than a possession at a time. That would change with under five minutes to play, when Colorado Christian began to separate themselves as their lead would reach double digits. An 11-2 run from the Cougars was the catalyst for a half time lead that would land at 14 points seeing CCU take a 42-28 lead into the half.
- The Mountain Lions would come out of the locker room on a mission, going on an 11-1 run, highlighted by threes from both Xavier Martinez and Hannes Saar, getting the Mountain Lion's offense back on track, and taking advantage of CCU's cold streak. The Cougar's would finally break the drought with a three of their own, but another triple from Hannes Saar followed by an offensive foul would trigger the first media break after the half, giving the Cougars a much-needed chance to regroup with the Mountain Lions storming. The free time out wouldn't be valuable for the Cougars as UCCS began the restart with a Mac Stodart three, bringing the Mountain Lions shored up their distance shooting from the first, and cut the lead to just one at 48-47.
- For the second straight half, both teams would trade blows and leads, with a bit more runs for each team, but with two minutes to play in the game, the score would be 74-72 with Jesse Iweze headed to the line with an opportunity to tie. He would hit the second shot after missing the first, with a one-point difference headed into the final minute. CCU's Brenden Patrick would be fouled and hit his free throws to give the Cougars the three-point lead. The Cougars would add another free throw, and UCCS would get an Xavier Martinez three ball, but it wouldn't be enough for the Mountain Lions as they fall 80-76.
GAME STATISTICS
- UCCS struggled from three-point range in the first twenty minutes, shooting just 21.4% from beyond the arc. Colorado Christian responded to UCCS' struggles shooting 40% from the three-point line before the half.
- At the half, CCU's Bradley Land (12) and Nic Zeal (10) were the only players for either side, the next best mark was Mac Stodart who led UCCS with 7 points in the first half.
- Bradley Land led all scorers with 22 points, going 8-10 from the field.
- Four Mountain Lions had double digits with Mac Stodart (18), Xavier Martinez (15), James Ellis (12), and Hannes Saar (11) leading the way offensively.
- Despite being out rebounded by UCCS 29-23, CCU outshot the Mountain Lions 55.1% to 49%.
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE
- CCU have now won two straight meetings with UCCS, but the Mountain Lions hold a 3-2 record in the last five games against the Cougars.
- Mac Stodart's 18 points is a season high. His career best is 25 (11/18/22 vs Bacone)
- Noah Baca ties his career high for assists at 5. His other five assist game was vs Bacone in 2022.
UP NEXT
- The Mountain Lions will continue their season long road trip tomorrow when they head east for Chadron State College in Chadron, Nebraska. Tip off for that game will be at 4 p.m.
SOCIAL
Twitter - @GoMountainLions
Instagram - @gomountainlions
Facebook – /GoMountainLions
As a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, the University of Colorado Colorado Springs competes in 14 varsity sports in NCAA Division II intercollegiate athletics.
