Denver, Colo. – The University of Colorado Colorado Springs men's basketball team drops their first game of the new year, falling 88-62 at Regis University.
INSIDE THE MATCH UP
- Final Score: UCCS 62, Regis 88
- Records: UCCS (5-8, 1-6 RMAC) | RU 7-5 (4-3 RMAC)
- Facility | Location: Regis Fieldhouse | Denver, Colo.
- All-Time Series: The Rangers have won the last three match ups ahead of tonight's contest, extended to four, with Regis holding a 42-16 record vs UCCS.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Both teams got off to a sluggish start on offense, combining for just 18 points in the opening seven minutes of the game. Regis had the advantage, though, leading 13-5 without finding consistent rhythm on the attack.
- The Rangers would begin to get their wheels turning as the clock dipped under ten minutes in the first half, but the Mountain Lions continued to struggle. Turnovers plagued UCCS in the first twenty minutes, giving up 13 possessions before the break, leading to 13 of the Rangers 41 first half points.
- Shooting 24% from the field in the opening period, UCCS couldn't find any traction on offense, with Regis taking a comfortable 19-point lead to the locker room at the half, leading 41-22.
- As the second half got underway, Regis picked up right where they left off, outscoring UCCS 22-13 in the first five minutes after the resumption of play.
- Leading as much as 36, the Rangers didn't look back as they continued to dominate offensively, UCCS shot percentage improved to 38% in the second frame, but the Rangers 55% second half clip out paced the visitors still.
- UCCS falls in their first action of 2024, suffering and 88-62 loss in Denver.
GAME STATISTICS
- Jesse Iweze was the bright spot for the UCCS offense, dropping a career high 28 points and nine made field goals. His three blocked shots ties William Becker (vs Cameron & vs Westminster) for a season high.
- UCCS had three players play over thirty minutes in Denver, with Noah Baca, Xavier Martinez, and Jesse Iweze all eclipsing a half hour of floor time.
- Tarig Eisa led the Rangers with 21 points, trailing only Iweze on either side.
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE
- Jayden Washington makes his season debut after sustaining a forearm injury during the preseason.
- UCCS' 22 turnovers vs Regis are the most giveaways they have had in a single game this season.
- This is the third time this season the Mountain Lions have shot below 35% from the field.
UP NEXT
- The Mountain Lions will play at home for the first time in the new year on Saturday when they welcome Western Colorado to Gallogly Events Center. Tip of is set for 3 p.m.
SOCIAL
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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.
