Colton Burgon's free throw with 30-seconds remaining in overtime secured the victory over Fresno Pacific 82-81 in CMU's season opener at the Dixie State Classic in St. George, Utah.

CMU held a 37-26 halftime lead behind Mike Melillo's 10 points and Landon Vermeer's nine points, including 3 for 3 from the field. Fresno Pacific outscored the Mavericks 49-38 in the second half erasing a 16-point CMU lead early in the second half. The Sunbirds went on a 12-4 run to pull to within four points with 12:23 remaining in regulation. A trey by Fresno's John Taylor at 9:23 gave the Sunbirds a 57-56 lead. CMU pushed the lead back to seven points (71-64) at the 5:28 mark, but Fresno tied the game at 71-71, with just under four minutes remaining. CMU lead 75-73 with 56-second left but two free throws by Fresno's Taylor tied the game with 29-seconds remaining. 

Fresno scored first in overtime for a 77-75 lead before CMU answered back with two made free throws by Burgon (77-77). A jumper by Jeff Hart gave CMU a 79-77 and back came Fresno with a four-point run and 81-79 advantage (1:34 remaining). A jumper by Landon Vermeer tied the game at 81-81 (1:11) and Burgon's free throw with 30-seconds left sealed the victory. Fresno's final shot missed and after an offensive rebound, CMU's Kevin Screen stole the ball to end the game.

Mike Mellilo posted a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Landon Vermeer recorded 19 points going 7 of 8 from the field, including 3 of 4 from the 3-point line.

Colton Burgon finished with a double-double recording 16 points and 11 boards. Burgon was 4 of 5 from the foul line, hitting 3 of 4 in overtime. Jeff Hart finished with 11 points.

Paul Walter led all players with 12 rebounds and six assists in his first game as a Maverick. Walter finished with nine points.

Fresno Pacific's John Taylor led all players with 34 points.

CMU will play host Dixie State College on Saturday night. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m.