GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – It took all 40 minutes but the 25^th ranked Colorado Mesa Mavericks defeated Dixie State 64-61 on the final night of the Holiday Inn – Airport Thanksgiving Classic in Brownson Arena.
 
The Mavericks were outrebounded 43-39, shot fewer free throws 26-24, and shot a lower percentage from the field 37.7-33.9 and still found a way to win the game.
 
Colorado Mesa did however force the Red Storm into 14 turnovers that translated into 10 points.
 
The Red Storm took the lead with 3:09 remaining before the Mavericks closed out the game on a 7-3 run. Siu Lo'amanu scored a lay-in and was fouled and converted the three-point play to give the Mavericks the lead for good.
 
Bryanna Adams led the Maverick scoring with 19 points on 7-of-21 shooting from the field. Adams made three three-point baskets and pulled down 10 rebounds to complete the double-double. She grabbed eight of those rebounds in the second half of play.
 
The Maverick post players were in foul trouble early with both Ashley Stevens and Erika Musante fouling out and Lo'amanu finishing with four fouls.
 
Lo'amanu and freshman Nicole Archambeau were thrust into action covering a pair of six-foot Red Storm players. Archambeau finished the night with three points, four rebounds and two steals.
 
Lo'amanu had 14 points and nine rebounds.
 
Dixie State's Taylor Mann led all scorers with 22 points and added nine rebounds.
 
The Mavericks will open up Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play next weekend when the travel to Salt Lake City to take on newcomer Westminster.