GRAND JUNCTION, COLO. – The Colorado Mesa University men's basketball led from start to finish in an 80-75 win over the Mountain Lions Saturday (Jan. 21).

The Maverick led early and built a game-high lead of 15, 23-8, with 9:58 left in the first. UCCS used a 9-0 run to cut the lead to single digits, 26-20, with under six to play in the half but CMU led 42-34 at the break.

UCCS never led in the contest but did cut CMU's lead to just one, 44-43, with 15:46 left.

CMU responded with a 21-10 run to extend its lead to 15, 65-50, with 9:47 remaining.

Elijah Ross scored on a lay-up for UCCS to tie the game at 73. The Mavericks responded with a 3-pointer from CJ Davis, and then Davis was fouled on a steal attempt on the next Mountain Lion possession.

Davis made both free throws and after a lay-up by Elijah Ross, Kabir West iced the game with a put-back basket on his own shot.

Eimer Lopez led the Mavericks with a game-high 20 points and grabbed eight rebounds.

CJ Davis and Connor Nichols combined for 28 points for CMU.

Elijah Ross led four UCCS players in double with 18 points.

UCCS out-rebounded CMU 41-37, but CMU led 13-8 on the offensive glass.

Turnovers were a huge difference for the Mavericks who scored 26 points off of 20 Mountain Lion turnovers.

Colorado Mesa (5-14, 4-9) will play at Black Hills State Friday (Jan. 27).