The UCCS women’s basketball team were defeated, 72-44, by Black Hills State, marking the Mountain Lion’s lowest scoring game of this season. The Dec. 12 game was the RMAC home opener for the Mountain Lions, whose RMAC record is now 3-1.
Despite the loss, senior forward Maison White broke the program’s rebound record in the third quarter with her 752nd rebound as a Mountain Lion. White’s achievement was honored during the halftime of the men’s basketball game, which happened the same day.
UCCS never secured a lead throughout the game, only tying the game up, 15-15, with 2 minutes left in the first quarter. But Black Hills State ended the period with a fast break down the paint from Yellow Jacket Kalla Bertram, giving them the lead at 21-15.
The second period was another dominating quarter for Black Hills State. They heightened their lead by 21 points, as UCCS gained 4.
The Mountain Lions tried to find their footing and secure momentum, but Black Hills State kept their strength, beginning the third period with a 14-2 run. UCCS fans’ anger could be heard throughout the Gallogly Events Center booing the referees for unfair calls. With 6 minutes remaining, White got her third and final rebound of the game, obtaining the school’s new record of 752 rebounds in the program. Black Hills State ended the period leading by 25 points, 58-33.
The fourth period was a little more back and forth, as UCCS didn’t let Black Hills State expand their lead too much. With 7 minutes left to go in the quarter, Black Hills State’s Gracie Haneborg, who used to play for the Mountain Lions, obtained her 9th rebound, the most out of both teams throughout the game. Black Hills State won by 28 points, ending the game 72-44.
Junior guard Breelyn Robinson made her mark for the Mountain Lions with 19 points, 11 more than runner-up Amyah Moore Allen who scored 8 points.
This 28-point loss is the largest losing margin for the Mountain Lions in the last 25 games against Black Hills State. The Mountain Lions have not had this big of a loss to Black Hills State since December 2017. This loss ended their 13-game winning streak at home, which dated back to the Mountain Lions first RMAC home game of last season. The result of the game put Black Hills State as the current leaders of the RMAC division, tied in standings with CSU Pueblo.
UCCS’ current overall record is now 5-4 after beating Chadron 82-66 on Dec. 14. The Mountain Lions will play again at the Gallogly Events Center against Central Oklahoma on Tuesday, Dec. 17.