ST. GEORGE, Utah – It wasn't easy but the Colorado Mesa women's basketball team improved to 4-0 on the year after a 55-49 come from behind victory over NAIA member Montana State Northern on Saturday evening in Burns Arena to close out the Dixie State Classic.
 
The Skylights built an 11-point lead with 11 seconds left in the first quarter when they led 19-8. They shot 55 percent from the field in the quarter and were 9-of-10 from the free throw line.
 
Montana State Northern continued to lead at halftime with a 29-22 lead.
 
Colorado Mesa took their first lead of the second half with 5:21 to play in the third quarter after a three-point bucket by Erin Reichle. They would not relinquish the lead after that.
 
The Mavericks built a lead of seven points by the end of the third quarter and led by as many as eight in the fourth quarter at 47-39 with 3:23 to play.
 
Senior center Ma'ata Epenisa led all scorers with 16 points and tied for the team lead with seven rebounds. Epenisa played solid on both ends of the floor, fighting foul trouble once again. She had two blocks and a steal on the defensive end of the floor.
 
Senior Erin Reichle added 13 points on 5-of-8 shooting from the field. Reichle was a perfect 3-for-3 on her three point attempts. The Utah native also pulled down seven rebounds.
 
The Mavericks shot 42 percent from the field in the game and limited Montana State Northern to 31 percent. They forced 18 turnovers, had seven steals and blocked seven shots on the evening.
 
The Skylights were led by Brandy Lambourne and Kealani Sagapolu who each finished with 14 points.
 
Colorado Mesa will host the Holiday Inn Thanksgiving Classic next weekend at Brownson Arena. They will take on St. Edward's on Friday before a date with Northern New Mexico on Saturday.