KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The University of Colorado Colorado Springs men's basketball team sweep their opening road trip of the season as they defeat Northwest Missouri State University 63-61 on a late basket from
Xavier Martinez.
INSIDE THE MATCH-UP
Final: UCCS 63, NWMSU 61
Records: UCCS (3-1, 0-0 RMAC), NWMSU (1-3, 0-0 MIAA)
Facility: Municipal Auditorium | Kansas City, Mo.
All-Time Series: The Mountain Lions get their first program win over the Bearcats in their second ever matchup, with the first game being a 87-74 Bearcat win on November 17
th, 2000.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Mountain Lions jumped out to a quick lead at 13-5 as the contest got underway, including a streak of seven unanswered to force the Bearcats to take a timeout before the first media stoppage. At the midpoint of the first, the Bearcats began to hit their stride, as they reduced the deficit to just one led by Ja'Vion Byers eight points.
- The rest of the way in the first half, the Bearcats had control, outscoring UCCS 15-13 entering the half behind 6-12 from the field and 3-7 from three point range. UCCS was able to keep it close, as the halftime break came with the Mountain Lions trailing by just one point at 34-33.
- The Bearcats picked up right where they left off to start the second half, as they built a seven-point lead on the Mountain Lions. Three UCCS turnovers in the first ten minutes aided the NWMSU effort, as the hosts led 50-43 with ten minutes to play.
- In the final ten, the Mountain Lions were able to battle their way back, as William Becker led the way with eight points for UCCS in crunch time. Forced to make a defensive stand in the final minutes, the Mountain Lions answered the call, keeping the Bearcats off the board for the final 2:37 of the game, allowing Xavier Martinez to net the game winning layup with just 1.4 seconds on the clock. UCCS grabs both wins on the road in Kansas City, returning home with a 3-1 record to start the year.
STATS FROM THE GAME
- William Becker earns his second double-double in as many games, scoring 16 for UCCS while also securing 15 rebounds.
- Xavier Martinez played all but two minutes in the game for the Mountain Lions, sinking the game winner in the final seconds.
- UCCS dominated the boards on both sides of the court, leading in both offensive (13-9) and defensive (32-26) rebounds.
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE
- UCCS wins sweeps their opening road trip for the first time in two seasons.
- William Becker has scored double figures in all four contests for UCCS to start the season.
SOCIAL
Twitter - @GoMountainLions
Instagram - @gomountainlions
Facebook – Go Mountain Lions
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.
