The Maverick’s high scoring second-half leads them to victory over Black Hills State University (BHSU). 

Freshman guard Christopher Speller led Colorado Mesa University (CMU) in scoring with 17 points. Speller was six for seven from the floor and he contributed three steals in the game as well.  

The Yellow Jacket’s Joel Scott and Trey Whitley combined for 48 points, four rebounds and five assists as both scored 20 or more points.  

CMU finished the game shooting 51 percent from the floor and 90.9 percent from the free-throw line. They were selective with their shots from behind the arc, but they were shooting them with high efficiency as they were 5-7 from three in the game.  

BHSU jumped out to a quick 10-5 lead in the game, but the Mavericks were able to keep the game close in the first half.  

The Mavericks ended the first half down nine as they shot 39.1 percent from the floor.  

The Yellow Jackets took advantage of the Maverick’s nine turnovers, converting those turnovers into 14 points. BHSU also was a perfect seven for seven from behind the arc in the first half keeping them on top in the half. 

CMU’s 61.5 shooting percentage in the second half allowed them to outscore BHSU 45-34. The Mavericks were four for six from behind the arc, and their 21 bench points gave them the necessary push to get the win.  

Speller tied the game with 5:25 left on the clock as he made two free throws. BHSU tied the game once more with 2:37 left in the game, but freshman forward Trevor Baskin’s immediately hit a three in response, putting the Mavericks back up by three.  

Baskin’s three gave the momentum to the Mavericks as they won 75-70 in Spearfish, SD. 

Baskin was the Maverick’s second-leading scorer with 14 points and four rebounds. 

Senior guard Georgie Dancer finished with 12 points, two rebounds and two assists in his first game of the season.  

The Maverick’s next game will be Dec. 12 against Chadron State College at 7:30 p.m. in Chadron, Neb.