Colorado Mesa men's basketball team defeated Minot State University 67-51 in their season opener at the Dixie State College Classic in St. George, Utah.

CMU led start to finish and held a 10 point lead (16-6) at the 12:14 mark of the first half.  Minot State pulled to within single digits just once at 5:58 remaining in the first period on a made free throw, cutting the Mavs' lead to nine points (19-28).

CMU led 39-21 at the break with the help of Jeff Hart's 12-first half points. Hart was 2-for-2 (1 trey) from the field and 7-of-7 from the foul line. CMU shot 52% from the field including 4-of-9 from the three-point line. The Mavs forced 14 first half turnovers by the Beavers.

Hart led all players with 16 points, four rebounds and tied with Kevin Screen and Mike Melillo for a game high four assists. Melillo finished with 11 points, two steals and 2-of-3 from beyond the arc.

Michael Bear tallied 11 points, five steals, four rebounds and two blocked shots in the contest.

Minot State had four players in double digits, led by Thomas Korf's 12 points.

CMU will play No. 22-ranked Seattle Pacific in Saturday's match-up in the final day of the Dixie State College Classic. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m.

Box Score