GRAND JUNCTION, COLO. – Colorado Mesa University earned a sweep in the Holiday Inn – Airport Thanksgiving Classic for the fourth straight year with an 85-76 win over Texas A&M – Commerce Saturday (Nov. 28).

The game started at a fast tempo that was carried throughout the game.

CMU gained an early eight point lead, 12-4, thanks to back-to-back three point plays. Kabir West drained a 3-pointer, and Connor Nichols scored on a lay-up and the free throw on the Mavs next possession.

Craig Fofang cut the Maverick lead to one, 24-23, with a field goal at 8:04 of the first, but CMU scored the last four points of the half to lead 42-32 at the break.

Ryan Stephan, who scored 19 of his game-high 26 points in the second half, made a layup with 13:10 remaining to give CMU a 14 point lead, 61-47. Stephan also grabbed nine rebounds.

The Lions would cut the Mavs lead to as few as six points on three separate occasions in the final three minutes, but the Mavs shot 6-of-8 from the line to win by nine.

Mesa shot 82.6-percent (19-23) from the line and 43.8-percent (28-64) from the field.

CMU held TAMC to 36.8-percent (25-68) from the field, and 72.7-percent (16-22) from the line.

Kabir West tallied the games only double-double for CMU with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

CJ Davis scored 13 points, Eimer Lopez 12 and Connor Nichols finished with 10 to give Mesa five players in double figures for the second straight night.

Derek Biale led all players with five assists.

CMU held advantages in both assists (18-13) and rebounds (46-40).

Colorado Mesa (4-2) will open RMAC play at Westminster Dec. 5.