Mesa State (11-3, 7-3) defeated UC-Colorado Springs (4-9, 2-7) Saturday night 65-57 led by Lance Fite's team high 18 points and eight rebounds.

A tie game at half (30-30) the Mavericks fell behind quickly in the second half as the Mountain Lions opened with a 9-0 run. UCCS maintained the single digit lead until Fite's layup and free throw pulled the Mavs in front (44-43) at the 12:07 mark.

The lead changed hands several times in the next seven minutes of action. UCCS tied the game at 54-54 at 5:14 remaining in the game when MSC put together an 11-3 run, holding the Mountain Lions scoreless for three minute span, to clinch the victory. Kalonji Paschal hit 7 of 8 free throws in that time frame and finished the night with 13 points (13-14), all coming from the foul line. Paschal led the team with five assists.

Colton Burgon finished with 16 points and five boards. Colton, Fite and Paschal combined for 25 of the Mavs 27 points from the free throw line.

UCCS was led by Ben Feilmeier's game high 19 points.

MSC will host Western State College Saturday night at Brownson Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

Box Score