Colorado Mesa University (6-3, 4-1) men's basketball defeated visiting Fort Lewis College (4-4, 2-2) 69-53 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference action on Friday night at Brownson Arena.

Michael Bear led all players with 18 points and Mike Melillo finished with 10 points and three assists. Bear and Melillo had four rebounds each. Jeff Hart had a season high 12 rebounds and Kevin Screen finished with a game high seven assists.

CMU held a 25-19 lead at halftime taking their first lead in the half (17-16) at the 6:29 mark off a jumper by Shawn King. CMU was 10 of 29 in the first half and the Skyhawks shot 8 of 28 from the field.

The Mavs maintained a single digit lead until 4:44 remaining in regulation when Melillo's trey pushed the Mavs lead to 12 points (59-47). CMU's largest lead was 18 points with just under a minute left in the game.

CMU held a 44-41 rebound advantage and held the Skyhawks to 32 percent shooting from the field (21-66). CMU shot 43 percent (23-54) on the night and hit 19 of 25 from the foul line. FLC finished 9 of 21 from the free throw line. The Skyhawks were led by Matt Morris' 17 points and 12 rebounds.

CMU will host Adams State College on Saturday night at 7:30 pm.