PUEBLO, Colo. (GoThunderWolves.com - Nov. 19, 2011) - The CSU-Pueblo men's basketball team faced its first true test in Midwestern State Saturday, playing tough but ultimately defeated by the Mustangs 70-56.

The Mustangs controlled the start of the game with fancy dunks and ally-oops from JaMichael Rogers. But after all the fanciness was through and the Pack finally settled down they were able to battle back from a 19-point deficit to cut the lead to 10 at half.

The Pack seemed more focus and ready to get down to business in the second half as they cut down on careless turnovers. The ThunderWolves were able to cut the score to six but the Mustangs battled back to extend the lead to 26 on a 19-1 run.

An Elite-8 team for the past two years, Midwestern State made the Pack battle tooth and nail for every point.

Bryse Velasquez (Jr., Colorado Springs, Colo.) led the Pack offensively finishing with 12 points and three assists.

The offense from the Mustangs was spread throughout 10 players who each had at least a point. Darrick Thomas was the leading-scorer as he finished with 10 points.

The ThunderWolves will next travel to the Colorado Mesa Thanksgiving tournament, which kicks off Friday. The Pack will open up play against Dixie State with a 3 p.m. tip off.