CCU gets past CSM men in OT, 79-73, in RMAC Shootout Quarterfinals

GOLDEN, Colo. - Colorado Christian University defeated Colorado School of Mines in overtime by the score of 79-73 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) Shootout Quarterfinals on Tuesday night, March 2nd, at Lockridge Arena.

For the box score, CLICK HERE.

The Cougars and Orediggers were tied 32-32 at halftime, but CSM proceeded to go up by seven points (42-35) with less than five minutes elapsed in the second period.  CCU managed to tie the affair at 44-44 at the 11:09 mark, but Mines regained a five-point advantage just over one minute later.  The Orediggers trailed 64-62 with less than five seconds remaining in regulation, but Gordon Galloway corralled an offensive rebound in the paint with three ticks left and made a layup to send the contest into overtime.

A pair of Justin Neuhaus free throws 19 seconds into the extra stanza provided Colorado Christian with a momentary two-point advantage, but a three-pointer by Mines' Drew Hoffman gave the Orediggers a brief lead (67-66) with just under four minutes to play.  Daniel Lemburg made a three-point field goal on CCU's next possession and the Cougars never looked back.

Colorado Christian had five players reach double figures in scoring, including Neuhaus (6-of-10 FG), who recorded a 22-point, 12-rebound double-double.  Neuhaus, who added two blocked shots, also made 10-of-11 free throw attempts.  Lemburg and Abram Ziemer (eight rebounds, three steals) each recorded 12 points while Jobi Wall and Tyler House contributed 11 points and five rebounds apiece.  As a team, CCU (12-15 overall) converted 23-of-25 free throw attempts (92.0 %), including 9-of-10 in overtime.  The Cougars, who overcame 17 turnovers, out-rebounded CSM 44 to 31.

Sean Armstrong led the Orediggers with 20 points while Hoffman (4-of-6 three-point FG) tallied 17 points.  Galloway, who had nine points, tied a season high with nine rebounds and established a career high with four blocked shots.  Dale Minschwaner chipped in with 14 points and six boards as Mines fell to 17-11 overall.

CCU (12-15 overall) advances to face New Mexico Highlands University (19-9 overall) in the RMAC Shootout Semifinals on Friday, March 5th, at 5:30 p.m. at the Colorado State Fair Events Center in Pueblo, Colo.  The RMAC Shootout Championship Game will be held on Saturday, March 6th, at 5:00 p.m. at the Colorado State Fair Events Center.

CLICK HERE for the updated RMAC Shootout bracket.

The winner of the RMAC Shootout will receive an automatic berth as one of the eight teams in the NCAA Division II Central Region Tournament, which will be held on Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday, March 13th, 14th and 16th (location is yet to be announced).

The eight-team bracket for the NCAA Division II Central Region Tournament will be announced during a webcast selection show at www.ncaa.com on Sunday, March 7th, at 7:30 p.m. (MST).

The Orediggers were ranked ninth in last week's (February 24th) Central Region rankings.

-- OREDIGGERS --