GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – Ryan Stephan scored 29 points and Julian Vasquez added 14 for Colorado Mesa University in an 84-73 win over New Mexico Highlands Saturday (Dec. 13).

The Mavericks would build its largest lead of the game 31-14 with 7:56 left in the first, but the Cowboys would close the gap to nine at the break, 42-33.

CMU would lead by 13, 52-39, five minutes into the second half, but NMHU would go on a 17-6 run to close within two, 58-56, with nine minutes to go.

Mesa would counter and lead by as many as 15 late, before earning the 84-73 win.

The Mavericks shot 53-percent (28-52) from the field but it was their free throw shooting that played a large role. CMU made 22-of-28 (78-percent) free throws, including 12-of-14 from Ryan Stephan. NMHU made 5-of-12 (41-percent).

The Cowboys stayed in in the game in large part to 12 3-pointers. CMU by comparison made six.

Jon Orr was the third Maverick in double figures with 12 points and tied for a team-high in rebounds with Stephan with six.

Kendrick Nichols led Highlands with 21 points, including a team-high four 3-pointers.

CMU finished with a 34-14 edge in points in the paint.

Colorado Mesa (8-2, 3-1) will play at Fort Lewis Dec. 20.