CHADRON, Neb. – Ryan Stephan tied his career-high with 35 points for Colorado Mesa in a 64-58 loss at Chadron State Friday (Dec. 5) in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference opener for both schools.

Stephan shot 60-percent from the field (12-20), made 3-of-4 3-pointers and 8-of-10 free throws. He also grabbed a game-high nine rebounds.

The Eagles opened the game with a 12-0 run before Stephan made the first basket for the Mavericks at the 13:53 mark.

Mesa would close within three, 23-20, with three minutes to go, but Chadron would drain a 3-pointer and a pair of free throws to lead 28-22 at half.

The Mavericks struggled offensively over the first 20 minutes shooting just 28-percent (7-25). Their shooting would improve dramatically in the second half to the tune of 52-percent (14-27).

Colorado Mesa tied the game at 38 with nine minutes remaining, and then took the lead with a lay-up by Mike Melillo.

The Mavericks would lead by as many as five points with 5:30 remaining, but back-to-back 3-pointers by Christopher Smith would give the Eagles the lead for good.

The Mavericks would get within three points with 13 seconds remaining, but Kendrick Holliman made 3-of-4 free throws to preserve the Chadron win. Holliman finished with a team-high 17 points.

Christopher Smith added 14 points for the Eagles.

CSC finished with a 32-23 lead in rebounding. CMU forced 19 turnovers while committing 11.

Colorado Mesa (5-2, 0-1) will play at Black Hills State Saturday (Dec. 6).