Stellar defensive effort, strong offensive game carries ThunderWolves.

PUEBLO, Colo. (GoThunderWolves.com - Jan. 28, 2011) - Relying on a great fast-break offense and a gutsy defensive effort from Kris Lawrie (Sr., Gardena, Calif.), CSU-Pueblo claimed its first win over New Mexico Highlands since 2008, winning 87-82.

Five ThunderWolves scored in double-digits in a high-paced game as CSU-Pueblo held a New Mexico Highlands squad that had posted 115 points on Western New Mexico in their most recent game to just 82, a low-point total for the RMAC's offensive powerhouse.

The key was maintaining momentum in the second half, and that came by way of big threes by Daniel Pierce (Sr., Edgewood, N.M.), who had 15 points and nine boards, an 18-point effort by Leon Flowers (So., Wichita, Kan.), and Lawrie, who had 22 points, 11 boards, five assists and five shot blocks.  He also added two dunks and was a one-man momentum machine for the Pack.

CSU-Pueblo trailed by as much as seven points in the first half, but used a 13-2 run at the close of the half to go into halftime leading 45-35.

Highlands would come back, taking a short-lived one-point lead at the one-minute mark, but the Pack was able to stay at least a shot ahead for the duration of the game.  When Lawrie landed back-to-back breakaway dunks with two minutes left in the game, CSU-Pueblo practically assured victory.

The ThunderWolves, now 9-9 overall and 6-8 in RMAC play, will try to sweep the weekend when Western New Mexico visits Massari Arena Saturday night.