The Lady Mavericks wasted no time getting back to their winning ways, defeating South Dakota School of Mines University (SDSM) by a final score of 75-60. The win was pivotal for the Mavericks, as they seek to keep pace with CSU-Pueblo and Black Hills State atop of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) standings.
Colorado Mesa University (CMU) used the first quarter to take quick command of the game. The Mavericks outscored the Hardrockers 25-4 in the first quarter. After that, it was all CMU, as SDSM was never able to capture a lead.
Ma’ata Epenisa had one of her best games on the season, scoring 22 points on 9-12 shooting to go along with 10 rebounds, in which was her first double-double of the season.
Epenisa also added three blocks and was on fire in the first half, shooting 6-8 from the field to lead all scorers with 15 points going into halftime.
Jaylyn Duran had 20 points, shooting 6-13 from three-point range, and 4 assists. Erin Reichle had an efficient shooting night, going 7-11 from the field while dishing out six assists and nabbing three steals.
The Mavericks had a great night from the field, shooting 53.7 percent (29-54). The team shot better than 50 percent in both halves and scored 32 points in the paint. CMU also registered 21 points off turnovers, capitalizing heavily from SDSM’s mistakes.
The Mavericks were able to out rebound the Hardrockers 31-28, improving to 11-0 when they out rebound their opponent.
CMU’s record now stands at 16-5 and 10-5 in the RMAC, while SDSM falls to 13-8 with an 8-7 RMAC record.
The Mavericks will play Western State Colorado University (6-15) on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.
