DURANGO, Colo. – Trailing by four points with roughly a minute left to play in the game, the Colorado Mesa University Men's Basketball Team fell short in their attempt to rally as they dropped their first game of the Skyhawks Hardwood Classic to #25 Lubbock Christian University 77-75 at Whalen Gymnasium this evening.
The first half of tonight's game featured much back-and-forth action as all seven of the lead changes occurred in that half with two of the tied moments happening as well.
Lubbock Christian led for roughly 12 minutes of the half with them leading by up to seven points through the first seven minutes before narrowly grabbing back that lead to end the half in the final two minutes.
Colorado Mesa led 39-37 prior to the 7-0 run as the Chaps went into halftime leading 44-39.
Lubbock Christian remained in the lead for almost the entire second half with the two teams tying just once.
After the brief moment of tying with nine minutes remaining, Lubbock Christian was able to lead by six again just four minutes later.
Converting a layup in the final minute to bring the game within two points, Colorado Mesa looked to have an opportunity to tie the game with 10 seconds left but a missed field goal forced the team to foul and put the Chaps on the line.
The ensuing free throw was missed, but with less than five seconds left on the clock the Mavs were unable to get a good look in their attempt to race downcourt with Lubbock securing the win.
In a closely contested game, there were seven different lead changes with the Mavs outscoring the Chaps in the second half but falling short after Lubbock Christian did just enough to hold off the Mavs in the final five minutes.
Mason Honeyman scored a career-high 29 points to lead CMU as he led all players on the floor. Honeyman totaled 21 of his 29 points in the first half as he was 7-for-10 from the field including 3-for-5 from three-point range.
Ty Allred and Cohenj Gonzales both added 14 points for second best on the squad while Allred finished with a double-double as he also grabbed 10 rebounds.
Gonzales was 5-for-9 from the field including a 4-for-4 clip on three-pointers.
Wes Ball led all players with 12 rebounds as he reached the double-digit rebounding mark for the first time in his career with the Mavs.
Colorado Mesa was able to limit the hot three-point shooting of the Chaps in the second half to just 18% but saw themselves be hurt in the second chance points column giving up 19 while scoring 8 in return.
The Mavericks move to 1-2 now in the young season while Lubbock Christian remains undefeated at 5-0.
This marks the third straight game the Mavs have played a Lone Star Conference school to start their season and will play another tomorrow in Western New Mexico.
The Mavs will continue their stay at the Skyhawks Hardwood Classic tomorrow as they take on Western New Mexico University for a 5 P.M. start. Streaming can be found online through the RMAC Network.
