GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – Colorado Mesa finished the first half of the season with a 60-38 win over New Mexico Highlands on Saturday evening in Brownson Arena in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference women's basketball action.
 
The Mavericks came out ice cold for the second straight night falling behind 9-0 to start the game and 12-11 at the end of the first quarter. All 11 of Colorado Mesa's points came from the bench with Sydni Brandon leading the way with five points.
 
The second quarter wasn't much better offensively but the defense clamped down, limiting the Cowgirls to just seven points in the quarter and just 18 percent shooting from the field. The Mavericks took a 21-19 lead into the half.
 
The second half was a different story.
 
The Mavericks outscored New Mexico Highlands 39-19 in the second half and shot 46 percent in the second half. They finished the game shooting 38.5 percent (25-of-65) from the field and 31 percent (9-for-29) from beyond the three-point line.
 
Colorado Mesa was just 1-for-8 (12.5 percent) from the free-throw line in the game
 
Jaylyn Duran finished with a game-high 18 points on 50 percent shooting from the field. Erin Reichle added 10 points, three rebounds and three assists.
 
Ma'ata Epenisa pulled down eight rebounds while Karina Brandon hauled in seven rebounds.
 
Sydni Brandon provided a spark for the second unit scoring seven points and grabbing six rebounds.
 
The Mavericks are now 10-2 on the season, 4-2 in the conference while New Mexico Highlands falls to 4-7 overall and 2-4 in the RMAC.
 
Colorado Mesa will return to action on December 30 with a home game against MSU Denver at 5:30pm.