SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – With this win the Colorado Mesa Mavericks improved to 15-7 and 10-6 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play.

The Mavericks shot 55.8 percent (29-of-52) from the field and 47.1 percent (8-of-17) from the three-point line. They shot an efficient 73.3 percent (11-of-15) from the free-throw line. Nichols led the Mavericks with 18 points while Tommy Nuno recorded 12 points and nine rebounds. Off the bench Kenzo Nudo scored 14 points for the Mavericks which all occurred in the first half.

As for the Griffins they shot 38.3 percent (23-of-60) and 26.7 percent (4-of-15) from the three-point line. They were led offensively by Alec Monson and Brandon Warr with 13 points each.

The Maverick's bench outscored the Griffins 26-12.

Nichols started the Mavericks with a 5-0 run that was followed by a layup from Nuno to give the Mavericks a 7-0 lead at the 16:48 tick. The Griffins followed with ten straight points and took the lead back within two minutes. The teams battled back and forth exchanging baskets until the 5:35 mark when they were tied 25-25. From this point on the Mavs closed the game on an 11-5 run and held a 36-30 lead entering the locker room.

Starting the second half the Mavericks scored eight points before the Griffins hit a basket.  Nichols answered with a basket of his own and gave the Mavericks a 45-35 lead with 13:16 left in the game. The Mavericks continued to score and play defense to hold a 63-44 lead entering the final stretch of the game at the 6:35 mark. Michael Skinner drained two free throws under the two minute mark and the Maverick finished the game, 77-56.

They will face Dixie State tomorrow night in St. George at 7:30 pm. The Trailblazers defeated Western State 74-52 Friday night in their home arena.