GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – The Colorado Mesa Mavericks (3-2) blew by the University of the Southwest (N.M.), 92-25 in the Mavs' opening game of the Holiday Inn Airport Thanksgiving Classic. All 13 Maverick players who checked into tonight's game scored and for the fourth time this season Kelsey Siemons led the team in scoring. The Tucson, Ariz. native recorded a game high 18 points (7-of-8 FG) which marks a season high and was just two points away from tying her career high.
The Maverick defense limited the Mustangs to just two points in the opening quarter after getting out to a 28-0 lead to begin the game while shooting 62.50 percent from the field. The Mustangs scored their first basket of the game with less than five seconds remaining in the quarter.
The second quarter posed a more even matchup, however; the Mavericks outscored the Mustangs 16-12 and held a 44-14 lead at halftime.
The Mavericks came out of the locker room and knocked down eight consecutive points including back-to-back three-pointers from Sophie Anderson and Kylyn Rigsby forcing the Mustangs to call a timeout. The Mavs went on to match their first quarter score and record 28 points while shooting 52.38 in third quarter and knocking down 11 field goals.
The Mavs held the Mustangs scoreless in the fourth quarter after missing all 15 of their attempts. Sariah Wi Neera recorded a career high 12 points tonight and recorded ten of her points in the second half.
Fast Stats
The Maverick bench scored 44 points, outscoring the entire Mustang team.
Sydni Brandon dished out a season high seven assists and grabbed down a game high nine rebounds as the Mavericks outrebounded the Mustangs 59-26 and scored 26 points off second chance opportunities.
Kylyn Rigsby recorded a season high 15 points (6-of-11 FG).
The most points scored by a Maverick team since the 2017-2018 season when the Mavericks defeated Norther New Mexico College, 92-48.
Tomorrow's Game
The Colorado Mesa Mavericks will tipoff against Montana Western tomorrow (Nov 30) at 5 pm. The Bulldogs fell to Western Colorado in today's game by a score of 58-52. Tomorrow's game will concluded the 2019 Holiday Inn Airport Thanksgiving Classic.
