St. George, Utah- The Colorado Mesa women's basketball program opened up their 2018-2019 season with a 66-54 victory over Saint Martin's University. This was the first of two games the Mavericks will play this weekend at the Dixie State Tournament.

The Mavericks were slow to start the game after falling behind 0-8. Kylyn Rigsby put the Mavericks on the board with a made basket at the 6:49 mark during the first quarter.  By the end of the first quarter the Mavericks led the Saints after trailing for 9:12 of the ten minute quarter. A steal at the end of the quarter by Tori Catlett and a three pointer from Rigsby put the Mavericks up 16-14 to end the first quarter.

The Mavericks remained in the lead for the rest of the game except a tie in the fourth quarter at 51-51 that lasted for 1:36 until Jaylyn Duran nailed another jumper. She finished the night with a career high 29 points which led all scorers.  

The Mavericks were 6-7 from the stripe and went 4-4 during the second half. Sydni Brandon nailed two free throws with 24 seconds remaining in the game to secure the Mavericks first win of the season.

The Mavericks scored 22 points off of turnovers and earned themselves 12 second chance points while shooting 39.1% and forcing 15 turnovers.

Tomorrows Opponent

In the final game of the Dixie State Tournament the Mavericks will face Western Oregon University. The game will take place Friday afternoon at 3 pm.  

After completing this tournament the Mavericks will return home to host the Holiday Inn- Airport Thanksgiving Classic which will take place Nov 23-24. They will play Arizona Christian University and Western New Mexico University on Friday and Saturday, respectively. Games will be at 5 pm on both days.