By Weston Allenback
PUEBLO, Colo. (GoThunderWolves.com - Nov. 17, 2012) - Last season, CSU-Pueblo hosted Midwestern State at Massari Arena in the Al Kaly Classic, and were promptly trounced by the Mustangs, losing 70-56 as Midwestern State began on its trek to a 29-4 record and an Elite Eight appearance.
Saturday, facing Midwestern State again at the Al Kaly Classic, now ranked 23rd in the nation, the ThunderWolves not only hung with the Mustangs, they pulled off an improbable win, claiming a 72-69 victory.
The ThunderWolves were led by senior Bryse Velasquez (Sr., Colorado Springs, Colo.) who scored 18 points and had 3 assists in the upset win.
"The guys around me allowed me get shots tonight," said Velasquez. "With their team being so quick, we knew they were going to focus on Arden [Dennis and that allowed me to get some good looks."
In the first half, the Pack enforced its will on the Mustangs, causing 12 turnovers and holding them to under 45-percent shooting. With a halftime lead of 34-29 the ThunderWolves had their nationally-ranked opponent on the ropes heading into the second half.
But, like good teams do, the Mustangs limited their mistakes in the second half and began to show why they traveled deep into the NCAA Division II Tournament a season ago. Just eight minutes into the half, they took the lead from the Pack.
"I thought it was a great game and our kids played hard," said Head Coach Ralph Turner. "We played against one of top ten teams in the nation in my opinion."
However, the ThunderWolves climbed back into the game with five straight points from Jed Knafelc (Highlands Ranch, Colo.), who came off the bench with a spark. But, it seemed like every time one team looked to have the other on the ropes, the team down responded. Mustangs guard Keith Spellman answered for his team in the game throughout and scored a game high 21 points.
"I still think we gave up way to many offensive rebounds today," said Turner. "The good thing is we are competing and when you compete the way we have been, you have a chance to win some games."
When it was all said and done, the game came down the last possession, just like it did Friday against West Texas A&M. This time, though, the Pack was up to the challenge and got the stop they needed to claim their first win of the season.
With the win and women's win earlier in the night, it marks the first time in school history both the men's and the women's team have knocked off nationally-ranked teams on the same night.
The Pack continue their non-conference schedule this Friday when the travel to Texas to compete in the West Texas A&M Classic Nov. 23 and 24.
All-Al Kaly Classic Tournament
Will Reinke, Oklahoma Christian
Mason White, West Texas A&M
Bryse Velasquez, CSU-Pueblo
Keith Spellman, Midwestern State
Arden Dennis, CSU-Pueblo
MVP: Darnell Jackson, West Texas A&M
