Grand Junction, Colorado - New Mexico Highlands battled a conference leader down to the final minutes Saturday afternoon, but host Colorado Mesa held on for an 85-80 victory at Brownson Arena.
The Cowboys (11-16, 9-7 RMAC) traded blows with the Mavericks (17-7, 13-3 RMAC) throughout the afternoon in a game that featured just one lead change and three ties. Colorado Mesa carried a 43-38 lead into halftime and matched New Mexico Highlands 42-42 in the second half to preserve the five-point win.
New Mexico Highlands shot 49.2 percent from the field and scored 46 points in the paint, while the bench contributed 30 points to keep the Cowboys within striking distance. The Mavericks countered by shooting 77.8 percent at the free-throw line and knocking down 10 three-pointers, which proved to be the difference in the closing minutes.
Marcus Pierce led the Cowboys with 24 points off the bench on 9-of-17 shooting, adding four assists and three rebounds in 28 minutes.
Ibrahima Sacko added 19 points and six rebounds while going 8-of-13 from the field, and
Ramiah Adedigba chipped in 11 points and four assists.
BJ Comer contributed eight points, five assists, and four rebounds, while
Caileb Parham added seven points.
Nikk Williams finished with five points and five rebounds as the Cowboys finished with 33 total boards.
Despite the loss, the Cowboys stayed within one possession deep into the second half before Colorado Mesa converted key free throws down the stretch to seal the win.
New Mexico Highlands remains firmly in the hunt for a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference postseason berth with four regular season games remaining. The Cowboys' nine conference wins have them in sole possession of seventh place after Saturday's games.
The Cowboys are home for games with South Dakota Mines on Thursday night and Black Hills State on Saturday afternoon.
