COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Ryan Stephan scored 29 points and Julian Vasquez added a career-high 17 to lead the Colorado Mesa men's basketball team to an 80-78 win over Northern New Mexico Saturday (Nov. 22).

The Mavericks would shoot a game-high 60-percent (17-28) in the first half thanks to a 20-6 edge in points in the paint.

The Eagles made eight 3-pointers in the half to lead by as many as eight, but the two teams would be tied at 41 at half.

Michael Melillo made a pair of free throws to give CMU its largest lead of the night 74-66 with five minutes remaining.

NNMC responded with a 12-3 run to lead 78-77 with 75 seconds remaining.

With 52 seconds remaining, Jerry Duckworth made a 3-pointer, and CMU forced a turnover on the next NNMC possession to secure the 80-78 win.

Duckworth's three was his fourth of the game as he finished with 12 points.

Ryan Stephan finished with 29 points shooting 13-of-16 from the floor with four rebounds and three blocks.

Julian Vasquez made three 3-pointers to finish with 17 points.

Will Harvey finished with 13 points off the bench to lead the Eagles.

Colorado Mesa (3-1) will make its home debut when it hosts Angelo State Friday (Nov. 28) in the Holiday Inn – Airport Thanksgiving Classic.