LAS VEGAS, N.M. (GoThunderWolves.com - Dec. 15, 2012) - Breathe.
That's what the ThunderWolves did in rapid succession Saturday, pulling out a close, chaotic game against New Mexico Highlands, holding off an advance by the Cowboys in claiming an 88-85 win.
The ThunderWolves were able to weather the peaks and valleys of a high-tension game, getting the high in the first half of taking a 37-33 lead into the break, but then seeing it evaporate just as quickly once the second half began.
The Cowboys opened up the half with a quick three-pointer and a dunk to take a 38-37 lead, sparking a great start from Highlands as they began to upend the Pack, going up 61-53 at the halfway point of the second half.
Fueled by points from Matt Rosenbaum (Jr., Sidney, Neb.), Jed Knafelc (Jr., Highland Ranch, Colo.) and Nate Tigner (Jr., Fort Worth, Texas), CSU-Pueblo went on a 14-4 run to take a 67-65 lead, its first advantage since halftime, and suddenly the pressure cooker went on boil as yet another game threatened to come to the wire for the Pack this year.
After the Pack took that lead, four lead changes took place and Highlands stayed stubbornly close - close enough to keep the ThunderWolves from reliving nightmares of other games earlier this season that were "won" only to see last second threes lead to unlikely losses.
Saturday, though, the Pack used those experiences to hold off the Cowboys. CSU-Pueblo hit seven of 10 free throws in the final three minutes, also getting a key bucket from Arden Dennis (Sr., Denver, Colo.) with two minutes remaining and huge dagger three from Derick Agbaroji (So., Houston, Texas) with 18 seconds left, which put the ThunderWolves up 86-80. It didn't keep the stubborn Cowboys from having a chance at a tie on the final position, but a desperation three barely missed as the Pack's 88-85 win was preserved.
Rosenbaum came through with a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds, the first of his career. Tigner led the ThunderWolves with 20 points.
The win elevates the Pack record to 3-9 and 2-4 in RMAC play, halting a four-game road losing streak to the Cowboys. The ThunderWolves will take a break before resuming play Jan. 5 at UC-Colorado Springs.
