Canyon, Texas – Playing their third game in as many days, the Colorado Mesa men's basketball team fell to MSU Moorhead on the final day of the D2CCA Tip-Off Classic, 81-71.

Each team finished at 46 percent from the field, made eight three-pointers and pulled down 32 rebounds. The ultimate difference came at the foul line where the Dragons were a perfect 17-for-17, the Mavericks going 9-for-13 when sent to the line.

MSU Moorhead jumped out to an early lead and maintained it throughout the first half. The Dragons led by as many as 10, but Colorado Mesa would cut into the deficit trailing by six after a bucket from Trevor Baskin and pair of free throws from Blaise Threatt.

The Mavericks shot an efficient 57 percent in the second half, Mac Riniker and Owen Koonce being the main offensive contributors throughout the 20-minutes. Despite a 13-3 scoring run in the last five minutes, the difference was too great to overcome.

Riniker led the team with 20-points on 8-of-14 from the field, to go along with five rebounds.
Koonce followed up with 17-points, going 7-of-9 from the floor and 3-of-4 beyond the arc.
  
Blaise Threatt rounded out the trio in double-digits with 10-points, while also leading the defensive efforts with eight rebounds, and a pair of blocks.

The Mavericks will head to Dallas, Texas, Nov. 12-13 for the D2 Conference Challenge. They will take on #19 Dallas Baptist, and St. Edwards out of the Lone Star Conference, on Friday and Saturday respectively, both games scheduled for 4 p.m.