Gunnison, Colo. – Colorado Mesa men's basketball continues their road stretch this weekend, staying in state and heading just up the road to Gunnison for a pair of games. Western Colorado hosts the Comfort Inn Classic, where the Mavericks will match up with NAIA opponents – Washington Adventist and University of the Southwest, Friday and Saturday respectively.
Maverick fans can follow live stats at the links above.
A Look Back
On their second trip to the Lone Star state the Mavericks faced of pair of regional opponents in Dallas Baptist and St. Edwards.
The Mavs came up short against the Patriots, 56-63 but rebounded with an 84-77 win over the Hilltoppers to close out the weekend.
Blaise Threatt led the way averaging 19.0 points throughout the two games, putting together 12-points against DBU before tallying a career high 26-points to lead all scorers in the St. Edwards matchup.
Mac Riniker was a dual threat for CMU, averaging 10.5 ppg, and 7.0 rebounds. He also recorded three blocks and three steals, and is averaging one per game in both categories.
Georgie Dancer contributed 7.5 points per game, adding to his offensive efforts with eight assists. On the defensive end he notched two blocks and six steals between the two contests.
From the Start
All five of the Colorado Mesa's games thus far have come against opponents who are receiving national recognition. The Mavericks sit at a 2-3 record overall, but are holding there own in the midst of figuring out a new lineup.
The Mavericks are averaging 70.0 points per game, and are shooting at a .435 clip from the floor. Defensively, they are outrebounding the competition by a 2.6 margin, and are averaging just over four blocks per game.
Offensive Threat(t)
Coming off the bench, Threatt is leading the Mavs scoring efforts with 14.2 points per game. The Scottsdale, Arizona native is hitting over 40-percent of his shots and leads the team in free throws sinking 25-of-30 attempts. He is one of five players with over 20-rebounds, is tied for the second most assists with eight and has scored in double-figures in the last four outings.
New Roles
Riniker has taken on the position, in the absence of
Ethan Menzies. The 6'5 guard, is holding his own on both ends of the hardwood averaging 13.0 points per game and 5.2 rebounds. The Steamboat Springs product has also tallied five steals and seven blocks in five games.
Scouting the Opponents
Washington Adventist
Out of Tacoma Park, Maryland the Washington Adventist Shock will make open their weekend against the Mavericks riding a 2-0-win streak.
Five players finished in double figures in the Shock's win over Bryant and Stratton (Buffalo), led by Mesadi Pitt with 19. Against Villa Maria College it was Kyron Martin who led the scoring efforts with 18.
University of the Southwest
The Mustangs are off to a 2-4 start to their season, their most recent loss coming to fellow RMAC opponent New Mexico Highlands.
Jeremiah Toney is the top scorer thus far, averaging 17.0 points in five games. He put up a season high 23-points against Texas Wesleyan and another 12- at NMHU.
Alvin Thompson and Laddarius Spears are also averaging multiple points at 16.4 and 10.2 each.
