Colorado Mesa (16-6, 13-5 RMAC) fell to New Mexico Highlands 74-70 on Friday night in Las Vegas, NM. The Cowboys improved to 11-11 overall and 9-9 in RMAC action.

CMU trailed by two points (70-72) with 19-second remaining in regulation with the opportunity to tie the game or win on a trey. Following a Highlands missed jumper, Paul Walter grabbed the rebound and the Mavericks called a timeout to set up the final shot. As play resumed CMU turned the ball over and the Cowboys sealed the game with two free throws for a 74-70 victory.

Jeff Hart finished with a team high 20 points and nine rebounds. Colton Burgon recorded 17 points in the contest.

CMU led 31-29 at intermission allowing the Cowboys to close out the half on a 14-2 run.

NMHU tied the game on an opening basket to start the second half and the two teams stayed within four points of each other the entire second half.

CMU shot 47 percent from the field (27-58) and connected on just 10 of 20 free throws. Down the stretch in the second half CMU made 5 of 12 from the foul line. NMHU shot 45 percent (28-62) from the floor and 12 of 15 from the foul line.

Highlands had four players register double digits. Stargell Love led all players with 24 points.

CMU will travel to Silver City, New Mexico on Saturday night for a match-up with Western New Mexico University. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.