ST. GEORGE, Utah –The Colorado Mesa Mavericks (2-1) began the Dixie State Tournament with a win after defeating Saint Martin's (2-1), 56-31 Friday afternoon inside Burns Arena. The Mavericks handed the Saints their first loss of the season in today's game while limiting them to just 21.1 percent field goal shooting and three single digit scoring quarters. 
 

Kelsey Siemons led the Mavericks offensively with 16 points (5-of-10 FG) and knocked down a season high four three-pointers. She was followed by fellow big, Tori Catlett, who recorded 12 points (6-of-7 FG) and grabbed down a team high 13 rebounds. This game marked the first double-double of her career. 

Sophie Anderson recorded her first career start today along with Dixie State transfers Morgan Myers. Myers dished out a game high five assists.

Game in Review 

The Mavericks were first to score in today's contest and never gave up a lead after Saint Martin's tied the game at two apiece. The Mavericks held a 16-10 lead after the first quarter but were forced to battle Saint Martin's Clair Dingus who had seven of their 10 points and finished the game with a team high 13 points. She was the only Saint to score in double-digits. 

The Saints got within six points in the opening plays of the second quarter before CMU extended their lead to ten points after Kylyn Rigsby scored a fast break layup with 5:38 left to play. To close the quarter Siemons and Daniella Turner scored a layup and three-pointer, respectively to give the Mavericks a 13 point advantage at the half. 

The Mavericks held a 31-18 lead at halftime and gave the Saints no chance at a comeback as the Mavs limited the Saints to just 16.0 percent shooting in the second half. 

Makenna Shultz scored the opening basket of the second half which was followed by an 11 point scoring run in favor of the Mavs that lasted until the 3:19 tick of the third quarter. The Saints followed with five straight points. Siemons scored back-to-back three pointers to end the third quarter and gave the Mavericks a 48-25 lead. In that quarter the Saint were limited to just seven points. 

The Mavericks outscored the Saint 8-6 in the final quarter and reached their largest lead with 1:30 left to play when the score read, 56-29. The Saints recorded two free throws in the final five second of the game to settle the score 56-31. 

Up Next 

The Mavericks will play Northwest Nazarene tomorrow (Nov 23) at 1 pm inside Burns Arena.