GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – Ryan Stephan scored his 1,000^th career point to lead the Colorado Mesa University men's basketball team to an 82-72 RMAC win over Western State Saturday (Jan. 17).
 
Stephan shot 10-of-16 from the floor with his 1,000^th point coming on his lone 3-pointer of the contest. He picked up the double-double with 10 rebounds.
 
Landon Vermeer scored a season-high 15 points. Joe Kiely also scored 15 points, tying his career-high, and grabbed a career-high nine rebounds.
 
The Mavericks held the Mountaineers to 30-percent (10-33) from the field in the first half to lead 34-26 at halftime.
 
The CMU lead grew to a game-high 16 points early in the first half. WSCU would cut the lead to just one 55-54 thanks to a lay-up by Danny Hopkins with eight minutes remaining.
 
The Maverick lead ballooned back to double digits with 1:20 remaining. The Mavericks would make 20-of-27 free throws in the second half, after shooting 4-of-5 in the first.
 
Western State finished the contest 12-of-16 from the line.
 
Derek Biale tied his career-high with seven assists.
 
CMU recorded 19 assists on 25 field goals.
 
Alex Eddy led the Mountaineers with 16 points, 12 of which came in the first half, all on 3-pointers.
 
Colorado Mesa (13-4, 8-3) will host MSU Denver Friday (Jan. 24).