The playoff-bound Colorado Mesa Mavericks basketball teams head to Gunnison this Saturday to take on rival Western State Colorado University.

The Mavericks  have grabbed first place in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference with four wins in a row, while UC-Colorado Springs has lost  two of their last three games. That means the Mavs control their own destiny and need no outside help. If they win their last three games, they win their third consecutive regular season title, and earn a #1 seed in the RMAC Shootout, and the right to host the tournament. The Mavs will close out the regular season next weekend at home against Adams State and Fort Lewis.

This week's opponent, the Mountaineers, have lost 12 in a row, and haven't tasted victory since a January 2nd win over Colorado Mines. The Mavs beat Western 73-45 on January 17th in Grand Junction.

Meanwhile, the Maverick men have also clinched a playoff spot but are battling to secure a fourth place finish, which would give them a home game in the first round of the RMAC shootout. The Mavs are 13-6 in the RMAC, 1/2 game behind fourth place CSU Pueblo at 13-5.

Like the women, the Maverick men have won four games in a row, and would have a realistic shot at a fourth place finish if they can win their final three games.

The last time the Mavs and Mountaineers met, CMU won 82-72.The  Mountaineers have lost 10 of their last 11, picking up a win last weekend against Western New Mexico, putting them at 3-16 in conference play for the season.

Saturday's games in Gunnison begin at 5:30 for the women, followed by men's action at around 7:30. Catch the action on the radio, ESPN 1230, or on line at www.1230espn.com.

 

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