RMAC Shootout: CMU Women Advance, Men Fall to #21 UCCS

In the quarterfinals of the RMAC Shootout, the Colorado Mesa Women advanced while the men's team lost on the road to #21 UC- Colorado Springs.

At  Brownson Arena, the top-seeded Maverick women knocked off Western New Mexico for the third time this season by notching a 57-41 win.

The Mavs led by just five at halftime, but a 15-2 run to start the second half put the game away despite committing  22 turnovers in the game. Shanna Halalilo led the CMU scoring with 17, while Erin Reichle added 13, and Leandra Gilbert 11.

Coach Taylor Wagner was happy with the win, but said his team looked tired - and committed too many turnovers.

CMU will play CSU Pueblo in the semi-finals Friday night at 7:30 at Brownson Arena. (1230 AM,  1230espn.com)The Thunderwolves beat Black Hills State 62-57. In other games, the second seed UCCS beat Regis 90-72, while Colorado Christian held off a Fort Lewis comeback and beat the Skyhawks 57-56.

In men's action, Colorado Mesa fell to the number three seed, and 21st ranked UCCS Mountain Lions 82-71. The Mavsled by two at halftime, but the Mountain Lions shot 58% from the field in the second half and hit on 17 of 20 free throws. The Mavericks had the lead for nearly eleven minutes. There were six ties and eight lead changes. UCCS finished the game 18-21 from the free throw line while the Mavs were 7-10 from the charity stripe. The Mavs were within five with just over a minute to play, but UCCS sealed the game with free throws.

Ryan Stephan led the Mavericks with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Michael Melillo added a season high 13.The Mavericks finish the season at 19-10.