After rematch with Metro State, RMAC Shootout begins

March 2, 2015

Brandon Applehans
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On Dec. 12, men’s basketball hosted the team that knocked them out of the national tournament last year, Metro State.

In the final minutes of the game, UCCS would pull away, partially due to the preseason player of the year, junior guard Derrick White, who concluded the contest with 32 points and 13 rebounds. The Mountain Lions defeated the Roadrunners for the first time in school history, 69-66.

“It was a big win for the program,” said White in an email. “It was exciting to beat them because I remember when they used to tell me that I wasn’t good enough to play at this level. It was nice to show them that I can.”

More recently, the team suffered two two-game losing streaks with losses at Colorado Mesa Jan. 10 and Colorado Mines Jan. 16 along with losses at CSU-Pueblo on Feb. 7 and Adams State Feb. 13.

The team won the next three games coming into play Feb. 27-28. Their overall record is 22-4. UCCS faced Regis and Metro State for the last regular season games on Feb. 27 and 28. With a win in one of the two games, the team will clinch hosting a first round RMAC Shootout game.

Head coach Jeff Culver knows the crowd support will be key as the team transitions to playoff basketball.

“It’s been great to have everyone come along for the ride,” he said in an email. “It has certainly played a factor for our guys to know that the support is there. We look forward to having that continue for our playoff runs.”

Culver knows that the conference tournament will be a tough task.

“If you look at the teams, top to bottom, there’s no resting against any teams. If you can survive the conference, it really sets you up at the regional and national levels,” said Culver.

RMAC Quarterfinals, March 3: TBD
RMAC Semifinals, March 6: TBD
RMAC Final, March 7: TBD