Mesa State, CSM earn victories on final evening of Mines Tipoff Classic

GOLDEN, Colo. - Mesa State College (NCAA Division II) got an 82-56 victory over Southwestern Assemblies of God University (NAIA) and Colorado School of Mines (NCAA Division II) rallied to defeat Azusa Pacific University (NAIA) by the score of 91-86 in day-two action of the Mines Tipoff Classic on Saturday night, November 21st, at Lockridge Arena.

The Mavericks had four players reach double figures in scoring on Saturday, including Michael Bear, who led Mesa State (2-0 overall) with 19 points.  Bear (7-of-11 FG, 5-of-5 FT) also collected seven rebounds while Jase Herl finished with 18 points and nine boards.  Mike Dominguez contributed 17 points for the Mavericks, who outscored the Lions 45-25 in the second half.  James Ford led all players with 22 points as Southwestern Assemblies of God fell to 2-5 overall.  For the box score, CLICK HERE.

After CSM and Azusa went into halftime tied at 37-37, the Cougars proceeded to build a 12-point lead (58-48) with 14:03 remaining in the second half.  However, the Orediggers went on a 21-9 run over the next seven-plus minutes of play and tied the contest at 67-67 when Sean Armstrong made a steal and drove down the court for a layup at the 7:14 mark.  CSM went ahead for good just moments later (6:43) on a Grant Agee layup.  Armstrong (5-of-5 FG, 6-of-6 FT, four steals) finished with 17 points while Dale Minschwaner (seven rebounds) recorded a game-high 19 points.  Agee recorded 14 points and nine rebounds for the Orediggers, who shot 62.5% (15-of-24) in the second half en route to improving their record to 2-0 overall.  Marshall Johnson, one of six Cougars to reach double figures in scoring, led Azusa Pacific with 16 points.  Reggie Owens finished with 11 points and eight rebounds for the Cougars (3-2 overall).  For the box score, CLICK HERE.

The Orediggers will compete in the Regis University / Colorado School of Mines Thanksgiving Classic on Friday and Saturday, November 27th and 28th, at the Regis Fieldhouse in Denver, Colo.  CSM will play Kansas Wesleyan University (NAIA) on Friday before squaring off against Northwestern Oklahoma State University (NAIA) on Saturday.  Both games are scheduled to start at 5:00 p.m.

-- OREDIGGERS --