Late flurry not enough as Pack falls short to Mavericks.

PUEBLO, Colo. (GoThunderWolves.com - Jan. 7, 2011) - The ThunderWolves really had business even being in the game Friday night against Mesa State, but somehow, the Pack played it to a one-possession game late.

However, time simply ran out as CSU-Pueblo was on the short end, 71-67, to the Mavericks.

In a game that was weighed heavily in Mesa State's favor statistically, CSU-Pueblo relied on strong defense and timely threes to stay close.

Despite being out-rebounded 42-24 and shooting just 39 percent, compared to the 51 percent clip put up by the Mavericks, it was the Pack defense that saved the day.

CSU-Pueblo registered 14 steals compared to a shiny goose egg for Mesa State, which helped the Pack go on a 11-3 run that it nearly used to turn in a win.

Trailing 64-54 with 2:06 remaining, CSU-Pueblo used a Mykael Thompson (Jr., Dodge City, Kan.) to start a frantic comeback.  Just 30 seconds later, after a Leon Flowers (So., Wichita, Kan.) steal set up a three by Ty Trahern (Jr., Kit Carson, Colo.), the Pack was suddenly trailing by just three, 64-61.

But being forced to foul their way out of possessions, Mesa State stayed ahead as the Pack got no closer than two, trailing by just a pair with 12 seconds left, but couldn't close the deal.

The Pack got huge nights from Daniel Pierce (Sr., Edgewood, N.M.), who netted 23 points and 11 rebounds for a double-double, and Andre Martin (Jr., San Diego, Calif.), who added 13 points and tallied five steals. 

The Pack returns to Massari Saturday when it hosts Western State in another RMAC tussle.