Sports Reporter
With a weekend of sharp shooting, the men’s basketball team finally found its mark, shooting just under 60 percent in both of their contests. In what was essentially a do-or-die situation in which a loss would likely remove the Mavs from post-season play, the Mavericks won both weekend games to put them one step closer to securing an RMAC tournament appearance.
Friday night was one of the most important games of the season for the Mavericks, with New Mexico Highlands just one game behind the Mavs for the eighth and final playoff spot. The Cowboys shot 55 percent in the first half, but the Mavs answered with an impressive 10 three-pointers.
The Mavericks came out in the second half and buckled down on the defensive end, holding the Cowboys to just 32 points on 29 percent shooting. The Mavs continued their hot shooting night with five Mavericks finishing in double figures, led by John Orr’s team-high 19 points. Ryan Stephan fought off numerous double teams to finish with 17 points and 14 rebounds, which helped open up shooters Landon Vermeer and Joe Kiely, who finished with 17 and 12 points, respectively.
“Ryan [Stephan] was doubled most of the night and still finished with 17 points and 14 rebounds,” coach Andy Shantz said. “It just shows how tough of a matchup he is.”
Jerry Duckworth had a big impact off the bench, scoring 12 of his 14 points from behind the arc. The Mavericks finished with 14 made three-pointers, tying the record for most made in a game since 2006. The Mavs weren’t selfish with the rock either, tallying 23 assists, helping them to a 97-80 win.
“It’s a good thing we shot as well as we did,” Shantz said. “We still went into the half down a few. We didn’t shoot free throws very well, and luckily when you’re shooting well from behind the arc, it kind of makes up for other areas on the floor.”
The Mavericks entered Saturday’s game knowing that they couldn’t let down their guard against Western New Mexico, who had only tallied one win (1-20, 1-17 RMAC) this season. The Mavs continued with a stout defensive performance in the first half, storming out to a 13-0 lead after almost eight minutes of play. The Mavs set the tone early and held the Mustangs to only 12 points in the first half. The Mavericks wouldn’t let up in the second half and continued a strong shooting weekend to finish off the Mustangs, shooting 57 percent from the field and 50 percent from behind the arc.
“This was a true team effort,” Shantz said. “We guarded very well again tonight, and I feel these guys are starting to figure out what we are trying to teach on defense.”
Stephan had another big night against the Mustangs, finishing with a team high 23 points in just 17 minutes.
“When we play our defense and defend our gaps, we are virtually impossible to score against,” Stephan said. “We came out and took care of business. I’m really proud of our team, and I think coach [Shantz] is really proud of us too.”
The chemistry and confidence of the team are really starting to peak, and Stephan has noticed it.
“We are just having a lot of fun right now,” Stephan said. “Even in practice we’re having fun, which is weird, because no one enjoys practice. We seem to have more energy, and it showed on defense this weekend. I think we are starting to get the ball rolling at just the right time.”
The Mavs went on to win their 12th of the season 72-45 and moved to 10-9 in conference play. The Mavericks will have one more home game Feb. 22 against Western State before traveling to Adams State and Fort Lewis to finish off the regular season.
kparkhu@mavs.coloradomesa.edu
Recent Comments