Saturday night the Mesa State Mavericks went west into Utah with hopes of getting a win to start their 2008-2009 season. But Mesa’s opponents, the Thunderbirds, also had their eye on getting a mark in the win column.
It was a very close game, with both sides taking the lead at different points for a total of eight lead changes. At the end of the first period, the Thunderbirds held a 34-29 advantage shooting 56 (14-25) percent from the floor.
SUU’s small lead increased midway through the second period with a 13-3 run. The Thunderbirds were led by John Clifford’s game high 24 points and perfect 8-for-8 from the floor. SUU out rebounded the Mavericks, 32-25. The Thunderbirds hit 28-of-34 free throws and had five blocked shots.
MSC’s top player, Jase Herl (Jr., F, 6’3, 200, Garden City, KS) racked up 18 points during the game and pulled down a team high five rebounds and tallied four assists. Aaron Markham (Jr., G, 6’0, 190, Carbondale, CO) finished with 10 points, three assists and three steals.
MSC will travel to Golden for the Colorado Mines Invitational on Friday and Saturday. MSC will play William Jewell and Caldwell College.