Mesa State's bid to advance past the first round of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Shootout Tournament fell short Tuesday night at the hands of the Fort Lewis Skyhawks, 74-66.

MSC held a one point lead at half (33-32) after trailing by 10 points with 7:55 remaining in the first period. The Mavericks went on a 16-6 run to tie the game at 30 with 1:15 left. Two free throws by Michael Bear gave the Mavs the halftime edge.

Fort Lewis took a two point lead on a trey by DeAndre Landsdowne at the 13:50 mark and never trailed again. FLC went on a 16-9 run in the first eight minutes of the second half to take a six point lead (48-42). MSC pulled to within one point on two occasions; the last coming with 8:17 left in the game. The Skyhawks went on a 16-7 spurt for a 10 point lead (69-59) with 2:11 remaining.

MSC's 17 turnovers proved costly as the Skyhawks registered 23 points off turnovers and 17 points off second chance shots. MSC held a 36-35 rebound edge but FLC had 15 offensive boards.  

 Kalonji Paschal finished with a team high 17 points, nine rebounds and three assists for the Mavericks. Michael Bear recorded 14 points and five boards. Jeff Hart had 11 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Chandler Burgon had four of the Mavs seven blocked shots.

FLC's Lansdowne led all players with 23 points. David Kanyinda had 19 points and Daniel Steffensen registered 15 for the Skyhawks.

NCAA Division II post season tournament bids will be announced Sunday night. The men's selection announcement is at 8 p.m.

The men's and women's selection announcements can be viewed via webcast on NCAA.com. The women's show begins at 7:30 p.m. followed by the men's at 8 p.m.

Box Score