A winning ‘whiteout’ storms the mountain: Basketball victorious

"We came out with a spark and actually started on a good note," exclaimed Junior Mallory Lowe after the lady Mountain Lions won their second RMAC game this season, 101-93 over the Nebraska-Kearney Lopers Friday evening at the Gallogly Events Center. Senior Captain Janean Jubic elaborated, "We added a few things to our offense, mixed it up a little, just went out there and played some hard basketball."

In addition to shooting 24 of 25 from the charity stripe, Sophomores Ashley Miller, Payden Ackerman and Freshman Lauren Wolfinger all netted career best single game scoring totals as the lady Mountain Lions came within a single point of setting a new school record for scoring.

"We didn't do much differently. The biggest thing was we actually made our shots. For once it was nice to be the team making all the shots," recounted Jubic. Lowe agreed, saying, "It is much more exciting to play with a lead. It is cool to make the other team feel disgruntled, because that's how we usually feel."

In a season that's had its struggles for the women, the fans appeared to be showing their support in the team's victory. "I had a lot of fun tonight. It was a fun game to watch," Freshman Sam Feldotto said. "This was the first time I got to see the girls win, and it was an epic 101 points!"

Despite the 77-66 Saturday night loss to Chadron State, who is a possible contender for the last spot in postseason play, the weekend may have brought life back into the team. "It was good for our morale and confidence," Jubic said. "If we keep on playing as a team and making shots, we might have a chance to win another game or two."

The men's team was able to pull out victories against both Nebraska-Kearney and Chadron State. The theme for Saturday night's game against Chadron State was labeled "whiteout," and all Mountain Lion fans were issued white tee shirts upon entering the Gallogly Event Center to show support during the game.

Coming out of halftime down a single point,  UCCS kept the score within a few points for most of the half. Trailing 48-45 with just under six minutes left in the game, Junior Brent Jones drove down low and found a wide open Chris Fernandez on the perimeter just beyond the arch. Fernandez drained the three point shot and tied up the game.

"I was just looking for the open shot," said Brent Jones. "I had a pull-up (jumper) that I passed up for a better look and Chris made that shot. As I passed it, I trotted back because I knew it was going to go down. He just hits big shots like that."

34 seconds later, Fernandez struck again giving UCCS the lead and momentum they needed en route to a 66-57 win. With a 7-8 standing in the RMAC, UCCS is in the driver's seat for the final playoff berth. Regular season play will conclude for both teams as they travel to Regis and Metro State on Feb. 25 and Feb 26.