Box Score Gunnison, Colo. – In front of a rowdy crowd in Paul Wright Gym, the Colorado Mesa (22-8, 16-5 RMAC) men's basketball team prevailed over rivals Western Colorado (5-22, 4-17 RMAC) by a 62-57 score.

The Mavericks held the lead for most of the first half, holding a 26-23 edge with a few minutes to go before the break. That was until the Mountaineers sparked an 8-0 run in the final minute to give them the upper hand 31-26.

In the opening possessions of the second half, Trevor Baskin knocked down a second-chance 3-pointer, Jared Small following up with a steal and a slam dunk to pull within two. The Mavs would regain the lead at 16:40 with Small floating a pass up to Baskin who tipped it in for the 36-35 lead.

At the 12:33 mark, Small connected from well past the arc giving way to a 44-39 lead. From there on out it was Colorado Mesa who would stay in front.

Two free throws by Small in the final seconds secured the final score and the victory.

The Mavs will have a day break before heading to Durango for a rematch with the Skyhawks of Fort Lewis. Game time slated for 7 p.m.