CSU-Pueblo 84, Central Methodist (Mo.) 64

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. - CSU-Pueblo had no trouble with a tough NAIA-power in Central Methodist (Mo.) Saturday at the Mesa State Clarion Inn Classic, showing dominance in an 84-64 win.

Central Methodist, an NAIA Sweet Sixteen team last season, never led by more than a single point as the ThunderWolves were hot from the outset.  The two squads played practically even until the 10-minute mark in the first half, when CSU-Pueblo turned a 16-15 lead into 10-point advantage, turning in a 12-3 run to go up 28-18.  The ThunderWolves also ended the half with a flurry, going on an 11-2 run to end the half up 41-29.

The ThunderWolves offered more of the same in the second half, and saw as senior post Chris Busch (Sr., Oakland, Calif.) had a coming out party, pouring in 19 second-half points, part of his game-high and career-high 27 points.  Busch's second half started out with a bang, dunking the half's first points, providing the Pack with the momentum to start the half outscoring Central Methodist 19-10.  By the 13-minute mark, CSU-Pueblo was up by 20 and wouldn't lead by less than 13 for the remainder of the game.

The ThunderWolves were firing on all cylinders, recorded 24 assists as a team, the highest individual game mark in the five seasons Pat Eberhart has been head coach.  The Pack shot 54 percent from the field, and was 57 percent from the floor in the second half. 

In addition to Busch's 27 points, the Pack had banner days from Daniel Pierce (Jr., Edgewood, N.M.), who came off the bench to score 14, and Marc Williams (Sr., Seattle, Wash.), who scored 12.  Roman Van Allen (Sr., Los Angeles, Calif.) set a career-high with eight assists, and junior transfer Matt Fochtman (Jr., Millbrae, Calif.) was very effective, scoring eight points in just seven minutes of work off the bench.

CSU-Pueblo will begin its conference slate next week when it takes on Chadron State and Nebraska-Kearney on the road.