Alamosa, Colo.—On trend with last weekends road games, the Colorado Mesa men's basketball team used a big second half to come from behind and hold on to a 100-98 win over Adams State, Friday night.
Adams State gained a slight advantage early on, and maintained the lead up until the seven minute mark when Christopher Speller grabbed the steal and handed it off to Reece Johnson for the layup to tie it up at 24.
With the clock winding down in the opening frame, ASU's Kaelin Crane caught an offensive spark putting up six points to give his team the 42-38 edge at the half.
Crane continued his scoring efforts in the second half, opening the half with a layup. Ethan Menzies answered with a jumper on the following possession to put CMU within four. Down by as many as eight, CMU clawed their way back into the lead on a layup by none other than Ethan Menzies.
David Rico gave the Mavs a 10-point advantage as they headed into the final four minutes of play. With CMU in front, and the time running out. Reece Johnson headed to the free throw line to give his team a small edge. Although a Maverick foul resulted in an additional set of free throws for the Grizzlies, a CMU rebound solidified the 100-98 victory.
Ethan Menzies posted a new career high Friday night with 32-points. He was in double-digits just seven minutes into the game, and finished the first half with 16-points. On the night, he shot 14-for-17 from the field, and tacked on a pair of three-pointers, along with two steals and two blocks.
Reece Johnson recorded his first 20-point game of his collegiate career, going 6-for-9 from the floor, 3-for-5 from 3-point range and 5-for-6 at the free throw line. Johnson also led the team in rebounds with five, and chipped in five assists and a steal.
Michael McCurry came off the bench and finished the night in double figures with 10-points and flawless from the floor, beyond the arc and at the foul line.
Destan Williams and Rylan O'Brien contributed 26-points as piece. O'Brien shot 4-for-6 from deep and perfect in free throws.
The Colorado Mesa men's basketball team will head to CSU Pueblo next for a bout with the Thunderwolves Saturday night in Massari Arena. Tip is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
