GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – The Colorado Mesa Mavericks women's basketball team improved to 4-2 on the season after defeating Montana Western (6-3) 61-55 Saturday night inside Brownson Arena. The Mavericks were behind for majority of the game and did not gain their lead until under a minute to play when Sydni Brandon hit two free throws to tie the game and Sierra McNicol scored a layup to take a 57-55 edge with 34 seconds remaining.

The Mavericks outscored the Bulldogs 41-24 in the second half to overcome their deficit that was as large as 13 points in the second quarter when the Bulldogs led 31-18 just before halftime at the 1:37 mark.

In the third quarter, the Mavericks never gained a lead, but tied the game 38 all with 52 seconds to play. The Mavs went on a nine point scoring run to tie the game that included four different Maverick scorers and back-to-back three pointers from Kelsey Siemons. The Bulldogs recorded two three-pointers in the final minute of action to gain a 44-40 lead entering the final quarter.

The Bulldogs continued their run into the fourth quarter and held a 49-40 lead with 8:02 left to play in regulation. Daniella Turner recorded back-to-back three pointers to answer the Bulldogs run which created a 19-4 run by the Mavericks in the final seven minutes of action.

Brandon drained six free throws in the final minutes and tied the game 55-55 with a pair of free throws at the 2:01 tick. McNicol's layup that followed gave the Mavericks their first lead since the opening plays of the first quarter. Brandon was sent to the line two more times to close out the game and secured the Mavericks win, 61-55.

Brandon was a perfect 10-for-10 from the charity strip, dished out a team high four assists, and recorded five steals. Sierra McNicol neared a double-double with 12 points and nine rebounds.

The Mavericks have never lost a game in the Thanksgiving Classic under the direction of head coach Taylor Wagner and are a perfect 18-0 in their home tournament.

Next Up

The Mavericks will open up Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play next weekend on the road against University of Colorado Colorado Springs and Colorado School of Mines. On Dec 6 the Mavs will tipoff against UCCS at 5:30 pm inside the Gallogly Events Center and on Dec 7 the Mavs will face Colorado School of Mines at 5:30 pm inside Lockridge Arena.