SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Ty Allred scored a game-high 28 points while eclipsing 1,000 career points this evening as the Colorado Mesa University men's basketball team saw a late comeback fall short in a tough road loss to Westminster University by a score of 73-68 at Behnken Field House.
The Mavericks move to 17-8 (13-4 RMAC) on the season now with them just a half game back of the conference lead. Westminster improved their small chances of making the RMAC Tournament with the win as they are now 11-14 (6-11 RMAC).
The Griffins also avenge their earlier loss to the Mavericks this season as they previously fell on Jan. 15 by a score of 77-60 at Brownson Arena.
Allred needed just 14 points to meet the 1,000-point mark tonight with him being the first Maverick to capture this feat since Mac Riniker did in 2023. He now has 1,014 points and ranks in the top 25 of CMU's all-time scoring leaders.
Prior to the late comeback attempt by the Mavs, the Griffins led 12-5 through the opening six minutes of the game with them leading the entire first half thanks to the early offensive push.
The Mavs brought it back to within three points with five minutes left to play in the half but were outscored 7-2 to close as they trailed 31-23 at the midway mark.
The difference makers proved to be blocks and fast break points as the Griffins already recorded six blocks to that point while holding an 8-0 advantage in fast break points. The Mavs were limited from the field as well shooting just 28.6 percent.
Allred totaled 11 points in the first half to lead the team while already hitting three three-pointers. He would finish 5-for-9 on threes while going 9-for-19 from the field. He led all scorers in the game at half and at the end.
The Griffins extended on their lead in the second half building a margin as large as 16 points before battling off the Mavs who rallied in the final five minutes.
Colorado Mesa brought the game to within five points two times during that stretch before ultimately making it just a one-point difference with 13 seconds to play.
They had a chance to tie the game at the free throw line, but a miss forced CMU to foul and led to Westminster making four free throws with less than 15 seconds to play.
A missed three-pointer attempt to tie the game also solidified the win for the Griffins.
Colorado Mesa outscored the Griffins 15-10 in those final five minutes while owning the second half advantage as well, 45-42.
Beyond Allred's team-leading 28 points, Jaylen Pitman was the only other Mav to score in double figures with him collecting 10 points.
Wes Ball and Ben Henderson added nine points each.
Four different players scored in double figures for the Griffins with Colin Hayes leading the group, scoring 18.
The Mavs will return home now when they host Western Colorado this Saturday for their final home game of the regular season. Game time is set for 3 p.m. with it also serving as the team's Senior Day. Tickets available to purchase online at cmumavericks.com/tickets or in person at the gate.
