Mesa State Mavericks held off upset-minded Western State College Tuesday night in a 68-62 win in Gunnison.

Earlier in the day the Mavs cracked the Top 10 in the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Division II Coaches Poll, holding down the ninth spot, the Mavs highest ranking in school history.

MSC held a 36-28 halftime lead behind 16 first half points by Michael Bear.

Western State stayed close the entire second half pulling to within two points (60-62) with 2:50 remaining in regulation.

Mike Dominguez scored the final six points for the Mavs, all from the foul line, to clinch the road win.

Michael Bear finished with a game high 22 point, team high 9 rebounds and two blocked shots.

Dominguez tallied 16 points, four steals and three assists.

Senior guard Jase Herl finished with eight points and eight rebounds before leaving the game early in the second half after coming down awkward on his ankle.

Western State was led by Weylan Towns and Dan Hobin who scored 18 points each and combined for 13 rebounds.

MSC will play Western New Mexico Saturday night in Silver City. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m.

Listen to the game live on KEXO 1340 AM and via the internet at www.mesamavs.com.