LAS VEGAS, N.M. – Bryanna Adams tied her career-high with 31 points to lead the Colorado Mesa University women's basketball team to an 84-72 win at New Mexico Highlands Saturday (Dec. 17).

Adams shot 10-19 from the field, with five 3-pointers, and 6-7 from the line.

Sydney Small scored a season-high 20 points for the Mavericks shooting 8-11 from the field.

The Mavericks offense started the game shooting 56-percent (9-16) to open a 25-14 lead after the first. Mesa's shooting improved in the second quarter to the tune of 61-percent (11-18) to lead 52-36 at the half.

Much like it did the night before at CSU-Pueblo CMU would struggle in the second half.

The Mavericks shot 35-percent (5-14) from the field in the third and the Cowgirls would cut the lead to 15. Mesa's defense held Highlands to 38-percent (5-13) from the field to lead 71-52 after three.

Bryanna Adams drained her final 3-pointer of the game early in the fourth quarter to give the Mavs its largest lead of the game at 22, 74-52.

The Cowgirls responded with an 18-3 run to close within seven, 77-70, with 2:30 remaining.

The Mavericks drained seven straight free throws down the stretch to secure the win.

Mesa finished with a 26-16 edge in points in the paint.

Ari Baca led NMHU with 24 points, including 14 from the line.

Colorado Mesa (7-2, 5-1) will play at MSU Denver Dec. 30.