Box Score

            The Colorado Mesa University Men's Basketball team took on RMAC arch rival Fort Lewis on Sunday night at Whalen Gymnasium in Durango, Colo. Both squads came into the contest receiving votes in the National Association of Basketball Coaches Top 25 National Poll.

            Colorado Mesa cut the Skyhawk lead to just one with just 7:16 to play. But the Skyhawks answered with a 20-3 run and came away with a 71-61 victory. The Skyhawks were spot on shooting all night, finishing over 55 percent from the field and over 52 percent from behind the three-point line.

            Landon Vermeer led the Mavericks in scoring with 14 points including 4-of-5 from behind the arc. Mike Melillo finished with 12 points and nine rebounds, while Colton Burgon had ten points and nine rebounds.

            Skyhawk Marcus Ayala led all scorers with 17 points and teammate Alex Herrera finished with a double-double, adding 14 points and ten rebounds.

            The Skyhawks came out in the first half on fire, shooting over 58 percent from the field and over 66 percent from behind the arc. Fort Lewis took a 39-29 lead into the locker room and led by as many as 19 in the half. Maverick Jeff Hart banked in a three-pointer at the buzzer to cut the lead to ten at the half.

            Colorado Mesa big man Colton Burgon led the Mavericks in scoring at the half with eight points and grabbed four rebounds in the process.

            Skyhawk Marcus Ayala was perfect from the field (4-of-4) and scored 13 points in the half to lead all scorers. Ayala made three from behind the arc and dished out three assists.

            Fort Lewis moves their record to 6-1 overall and 3-1 in the RMAC while CMU falls to 7-2 and 4-1 in RMAC games.

            The Mavericks will continue the early week road trip as they travel to frigid Alamosa, Colo. for a showdown with the Adams State Grizzlies. Tip-off will follow the women's game but is scheduled for 8:00pm.