DENVER, Colo. – The Cowboys cut a 17-point second half deficit to seven, but could not get any closer as New Mexico Highlands (1-10, 1-7 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference) lost to Regis (4-7, 2-5 RMAC) Saturday night (Jan. 3) in Denver, Colorado.
Trailing 50-33 with 15 minutes left in the game, the Cowboys junior
Kaylen Shane tallied seven unanswered to pull Highlands within 10. After Shane made a layup, classmate
Kendrick Nichols pulled down a defensive rebound and outletted to Shane down the court, who made the fastbreak layup while being fouled. He drained the ensuing free throw to quickly cut the deficit to 12. Shane made a layup to end the run.
Three free throws cut the deficit to 66-59 with 3:23 left, but Regis scored seven unanswered to seal the game.
Like in the women's game, the bench made a huge difference as the Rangers bench outscored the Cowboys 29-14. Nichols led Highlands with 16 points while Shane had 14. Junior
Jonathon Mines chipped in 12 and a season-best seven boards. Spencer Reeb came off the bench to lead Regis with 19 – including a 12-13 mark from the charity stripe. Brett Hartshorne had 17 points.
Up 24-15 with 11:31 left in the first half, the Rangers went on a 10-2 run to push the lead to double digits. Roberto Reyes hit a jumper and then a triple after a Cowboys' miscue. After a Nichols layup, Hartshorne hit back-to-back jumpers. Reeb split from the line to put the home team up 17 with 8:10 left in the first half, its largest lead of the game.
The Cowboys return to action Tuesday (Jan. 6) when they make the jog down I-25 to take on New Mexico State in Las Cruces. The "Land of Enchanment" battle with the Aggies tips off at 7 p.m. Before the game, all alumni and fans are asked to join us at The Game Sports Bar and Grill (2605 South Espina Street in Las Cruces) at 5 p.m. Everyone in attendance - who RSVP's to Director of Athletic Alumni Relations
Robin Holbrook (rholbrook@nmhu.edu or calls 505.454.3015) ahead of time - will receive free tickets to the contest!
