CHADRON, Neb. -- December 14, 2019 -- Bolstered by six-of-seven shooting from three-point territory by junior guard Kolton Peterson, the Colorado Mesa men's basketball team downed the Chadron State Eagles 84-70 on Saturday night in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference action in Grand Junction.

Both teams made 29 field goals, but thanks to Peterson's sharp shooting, the Mavericks were 11 of 26 from behind the arc while the Eagles were eight of 23.  In addition, Mesa was 15 of 17 at the free throw line and Chadron State just four of eight.

Peterson was the game's high scorer with 18 points, all of them on treys.  He was the difference-maker. His teammates were just five of 19 from long range. However, Georgie Dancer added 16 points and Tommy Nuno scored 14 to go with six rebounds and nine assists to help pace the Mavericks' offense.

Chadron State got 17 points from both sophomore center Jacob Jefferson and senior combo guard Brian Rodriguez. Both players also grabbed six rebounds, one fewer than teammate Walker Andrew's game-high.

While the Eagles led just twice in the game--at 12-11 and 17-16--they were in contention most of the way. The halftime score was 41-35. CSC drew within three points twice in the second half, the last time with 9:13 remaining.  The 14-point final margin was Mesa's largest.

CSC Coach Houston Reed said that while his team put up a good fight, it needed to take better care of the basketball (The Eagles had 15 turnovers.) and play tougher on occasion.

"We also had some good looks, but too many of those shots didn't go," Reed added. "In order to beat a strong team like Mesa at their place we need to do some things better. We'll keep working and trying to improve.

The Mavericks are now 7-3 for the season and 3-1 in the RMAC

The Eagles (2-8 and 1-3) will conclude the 2019 portion of their schedule on Saturday, Dec. 21 at Metro State-Denver.  

Chadron State--Jacob Jefferson 17, Brian Rodriguez 17, Colby Jackson 9, Stephon Bell 8, Andre Sepeda 6, Brady Delimont 5, Michael Sparks 4, Walker Andrew 2, Kenan Gray 2. Totals: 29-65 (8-23) 4-8 70 points, 37 rebounds, 15 turnovers.
Colorado Mesa--Kolten Peterson 18, Georgie Dancer 16, Tommy Nuno 14, Clay Verk 9, Michael Skinner 7, Jared Small 10, Ethan Manzies 6, David Rico 2, Jess Spirey 2. Totals: 29-60 (11-26) 15-17, 84 points, 34 rebounds, 10 turnovers.

Chadron State               35               35             ----70
Colorado Mesa              41               43             ----84

3-pointers:  CSC--Jefferson 2, Rodriguez 2, Sepeda 2, Jackson 1, Delimont 1. CMU--Peterson 6, Dancer 2, Skinner 1, Nuno 1, Small 1.