The Mavericks remain undefeated after beating Adams State University (ASU) in a high scoring 100-98 victory for Colorado Mesa University (CMU).
Sophomore forward Ethan Menzies set a new career-high with 32 points, shooting 14 of 17 from the floor. Freshman guard Reece Johnson also set his career-high with 20 points making three shots from behind the arc.
The Mavericks had a balanced attack on offense as they scored 50 points in the paint. They also made nine shots from behind the arc and went 17 for 24 from the free-throw line.
The Grizzlies got on the board first in the game, but neither team was able to gain a lead larger than six points. Junior guard Jeret Schmelling cut ASU’s lead to three points with a three of his own.
ASU’s Destan Williams drove the lane on the next play, making the layup through contact, drawing the foul and converting the and one. There were three lead changes in the final three minutes of the first half as ASU and CMU traded shots back and forth.
Menzies and Johnson combined for 27 points in the first half as the Mavericks finished the half down by four points.
CMU was lights out shooting from the floor in the second half as they were 22 of 27 from the floor.
The Mavericks took a one-point lead with 12:47 left in the game, and they didn’t let the Grizzlies take the lead back.
CMU took their largest lead of the game with 4:45 left in the game, going up 88-78. The Grizzlies offense was firing on all cylinders as they closed the game on a 20-12 run, but they were just two points shy from sending the game to overtime.
Redshirt freshman guard Mac Riniker was vital to CMU’s victory as he scored 10 of his 11 points and added two steals in the second half.
The Maverick’s next game is Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m. against Colorado State University-Pueblo.
