In a battle of Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) action, the Colorado Mesa women’s basketball team was able to defeat the MSU Denver Roadrunners by a final score of 70-62. The Mavericks were able to tie the season series after losing to the Roadrunners earlier in the year on Dec 30.
CMU was led by Erin Reichle and Jaylyn Duran, who both chipped in 24 points. Reichle was 8-12 from the floor, including 3-5 from three-point range, and dished out 6 assists. Duran was 7-18 from the field and had a game-high 5 three-pointers. Karina Brandon contributed a solid all-around performance. Brandon had 7 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 points and 2 steals.
The Mavericks had complete control in the first half, limiting MSU to 8 points in both quarters to take a 29-16 lead into the half. CMU had their largest lead of the game at 15 with 4:54 to go in the second quarter.
MSU came out battling in the third quarter. After a layup from Georgia Ohrdorf, they cut CMU’s lead down to one at 42-41 with 3:04 left in the quarter. However, CMU was able to match MSU shot for shot and controlled the tempo for the rest of the game.
Both teams had efficient second halves. CMU shot at a 54 percent clip, with MSU slightly better at 59 percent. It was the Reichle and Duran show, however, as they combined to score 34 of Mesa’s 41 second-half points.
The win moves CMU to 14-4 on the season, and 8-4 in the RMAC. The loss drops MSU to 12-6, but an identical 8-4 RMAC record. The Mavericks will head to Colorado Springs next to take on UCCS on Jan. 20.
