After suffering back-to-back losses on the road last week, Colorado Mesa University women’s basketball team looked to defend their home court. The Mavericks succeeded Friday night, defeating Adams State University (ASU) by a final score of 75-54.
CMU’s defense returned to form, forcing 25 ASU turnovers, helping the Mavericks score 27 points off turnovers. It also allowed the Mavericks to have complete control of the game, outscoring Adams State in every quarter and having their biggest lead at 22 in the fourth quarter.
The Mavericks moved to 12-0 when they outrebound their opponent. CMU pulled down 36 rebounds to ASU’s 23.
Erin Reichle, playing in one of the final home games of her career, had a game-high 17 points on 6-of-20 shooting with four rebounds, five assists and four steals. Ma’ata Epenisa, also playing one of her final home games, followed with 14 points on 7-of-11 shooting.
ASU shot 50 percent from the field, doing most of their damage in the first half with 66.7 percent shooting (14-of-21). CMU locked it down defensively in the second half, limiting ASU to 5-of-17 shooting (29.4 percent).
The Mavericks excelled at the free-throw line, knocking down 14-of-17 (82.4 percent) free throws. The 14 converted free-throws match their season-high, a feat CMU accomplished on Nov. 24 against St. Edwards.
CMU also had a season-high 13 steals and pulled down 19 offensive rebounds, leading to 24 second-chance points.
The Mavericks shot 44.3 percent (27-of-61) from the field.
The win moves CMU to 17-7 with an 11-7 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) record. The Mavericks will look to add another tough RMAC win Saturday against Fort Lewis College, who sit at 19-5 with a 13-5 RMAC record.
