GRAND JUNCTION, COLO. – Sydney Small came off the bench and scored a game-high 24 points to lead the Colorado Mesa University women's basketball team to a 73-51 win over Black Hills State Saturday (Feb. 19).
 
Small shot 6-of-12 from the field and 10-12 from the line.
 
Erin Reichle made three of the team's seven 3-pointers to finish with 18 points.
 
Ma'ata Epenisa added 10 points, and Nicole Archambeau grabbed a grabbed a game-high nine rebounds to go along with six points.
 
The two teams struggled offensively early with BHSU holding a 10-9 lead after the first. The two team's then exploded for a combined 49 points in the second quarter as CMU held a 35-33 lead at the half.
 
CMU out-scored BHSU 38-18 over the final 20 minutes.
 
Black Hills shot 42-percent (18-42) from the field compared to 34-percent (22-64) for CMU, but the Mavericks relied on free throws and 3-pointers.
 
The Mavericks made more free throws (22) then the 'Jackets attempted (21). 3-pointers were 7-2 in favor of Mesa.
 
CMU also won the rebounding 41-29.
 
Mesa led 21-3 in points off turnovers.
 
Cheyanne Balster led Black Hills with 13 points.
 
Colorado Mesa (18-6, 15-5) will host New Mexico Highlands Friday (Feb. 24).