ThunderWolves down Cougars
The Colorado State University Pueblo men's basketball team was able to collect their first Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference victory of the 2022-23 campaign on Saturday night, with a commanding 68-55 victory over the Colorado Christian Cougars. The victory moves the Pack to 5-3 on the year, and pulls them back to .500 at 1-1 in RMAC competition.
The effort was highlighted by Isaiah Thompson, who recorded a double-double, scoring 15 points and collecting 13 rebounds. Two other CSU Pueblo players scored double figures, Makiah Morris with 19 and Elijah Moleon with 11.
CCU got out to a quick start, leading 4-2 after nearly 5 minutes, but Morris responded with a quick bucket to tie the game. The teams traded baskets until a media timeout with 10:15 remaining, when the Pack found themselves facing a three point deficit, 11-14. Following the timeout, Morris was able to put up back to back scores to pull within 1 point. Moleon recorded a quick steal that Morris was able to capitalize on yet again with a three pointer to take the lead at 18-16.
CCU didn't go down quietly however, answering with one of their own, but a layup from Thompson and a three-pointer from Meekness Payne tied the game back up at 27 with just one minute remaining in the half. The Pack defense held strong down the stretch of the first half, as Payne was able to land a pair of free throws with no time remaining that gave CSU Pueblo the lead 29-27 going into the second half.
The Cougars came out hot in the second, with two straight buckets to retake the lead, but Thompson kept the game close with a layup of his own. After a big block from De'shaun Cooper, Thompson landed a layup who was able to convert the and 1 attempt to take the lead by two. The Thunderwolves, leading by 2 with 12:59 remaining in the game, strong defense and a hot offense led the Pack to 14 point lead highlighted by a steal from Moses Demalek, and scores from Morris and Thompson with 7:36 remaining.
CCU wouldn't go down quietly however, pulling within 7 with just 2:39 remaining. A three pointer from Payne and a pair of free throws were able to seal the deal, giving the Pack a commanding lead. Demalek added on four good free throws to bring the game to a close at 68-55.
The see-saw battle saw the lead change 9 times, and the score tied 4 times, but the Pack were able to force 17 turnovers from CCU, which proved to be the difference. After a tough loss the previous night, CSU Pueblo was able to bounce back in a strong way recording 5 blocks and 8 steals. The Pack also led in almost every statistical category, shooting 46.8% from the field, and 35.7% from three point range.
The Thunderwolves will look to keep it rolling this upcoming Friday the 9th against Adams State in another RMAC matchup. The contest will begin at 7:30 p.m. in Massari Arena as the Pack return home.
Original source can be found here
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