Mesa State (6-2, 2-2) defeated New Mexico Highlands University (6-1, 3-1) 89-82 handing the Cowboys their first loss of the season.

MSC had five players in double digits led by Lance Fite's game high 23 points. Fite was 8 of 12 from the field, 6 of 8 from the foul line and pulled down five rebounds.

Kalonji Paschal posted a season high 16 points and game high seven rebounds and six assists. Paschal was 3 of 6 from the floor and 10 of 15 from the free throw line.

Russell Gregory recorded 14 points, six rebounds and two assists. Colton Burgon and Blake Francom added 12 points and 10 respectively.

NMHU held a 48-36 halftime lead including 19 points off MSC turnovers (10) and 17 bench points.

MSC opened the second half with an 8-0 run to pull to within 2 points (46-48). Highlands answered back with an 11-2 spurt extending the lead to double digits (59-48).

Mesa State chipped away battling back to tie the game at 63-63 with 6:49 remaining in regulation. In the 13-minute span the Cowboys scored just 15 points. MSC took their first lead (65-63) since the 10:02 mark in the first half on a layup by Fite with 6:31 left in the game. The Mavs never trailed again holding off the Cowboys form the free throw line; connection on 15 of 20 in the final six minutes.

MSC shot 48.3 percent (28-58) from the floor. Despite their 30 of 46 (65.2%) from the foul line, MSC hit key free throws down the stretch. MSC outrebounded NMHU 44-30.

NMHU shot 52.6 percent (30-57) from the field, 60 percent (15-25) from the foul line and 30.4 percent (7-23) from the 3-point line.

The Cowboys were led by Thomas Manzano's 21 points and seven rebounds.

MSC will travel to Fort Lewis College for a matchup with the Skyhawks on December 19 in Durango.

Box Score