ThunderWolves conclude their campaign with slim defeat at nationals.
WAYNE, Neb. (GoThunderWolves.com - March 9, 2012) - CSU-Pueblo was the victim of a late surge in the NCAA Division II Central Regionals Friday, watching as a close but firm lead for most of the game disappeared in the final minutes in an 82-76 loss.
The ThunderWolves, after taking a 31-30 lead with 4:50 remaining in the first half, held strong and looked primed to deliver the victory. It would lead for the next 16-plus minutes, leading by as much as eight before Augustana climbed back into the game.
The Vikings, however, chipped away at the Pack lead and took over at the 6:44 mark, using a modest 7-2 run to go up 70-65. It would be the death nail for the Pack, as it never led again for the remainder of the game.
Outgoing senior Kendall Babler (Sr., Rifle, Colo.) led the squad with 19 points while freshman post Katie Nehf (Fr., Broomfield, Colo.) picked a good time to record her first career double-double, going for 13 points and 11 rebounds.
Babler, a first-team All-RMAC selection, headlines the group of seniors the Pack loses from this year's squad, joined by Jennelle Branting (Sr., Littleton, Colo.), Alexa Ward (Sr., Colorado Springs, Colo.) and Katie Tomlinson (Sr., Mesa, Ariz.).
