PUEBLO, Colo. - The ThunderWolves return home to Massari Arena this weekend with momentum, emotion, and opportunity all converging at once as CSU Pueblo hosts Black Hills State on Thursday night for White Out Night before welcoming Chadron State on Saturday afternoon.
CSU Pueblo enters the weekend fresh off one of the most dramatic wins of the season, a double-overtime thriller at Westminster in Salt Lake City, widely regarded as one of the toughest road environments in the RMAC. From the opening tip, the Pack was tested by the Griffins' physicality and pace, trading runs in a game that never allowed either side to get comfortable. Pueblo battled through foul trouble, cold shooting stretches, and a hostile crowd, staying connected with defensive pressure and timely baskets as neither team could create real separation.
Late in regulation, with Westminster threatening to close the door, the ThunderWolves turned to their senior leader. With the clock winding down and the Pack needing a bucket to survive, Seneya Martinez rose up and drilled a clutch three-pointer to tie the game and force overtime, silencing the crowd and breathing new life into CSU Pueblo.
The first overtime followed the same script with tough possessions and momentum swinging back and forth. Once again, the Griffins looked poised to end it, and once again Martinez refused to let the game slip away. In the closing seconds of the first overtime, she buried another dagger jumper to force a second overtime, her second game-saving shot of the night and a moment that completely flipped the emotional edge of the contest.
In the second extra period, the ThunderWolves finally took control. CSU Pueblo's defense tightened, forcing key turnovers and contested shots, while the offense capitalized on its chances at the other end. Martinez finished the night with a career-high 30 points in one of the most clutch performances of the season. Wynter Jones was equally vital to the outcome, delivering one of the best all-around games of her career. Jones was relentless defensively, flying into passing lanes and battling on the glass while also knocking down timely baskets that helped the Pack weather the pressure of extended play.
When the final horn sounded, CSU Pueblo walked out of Salt Lake City with an 83–79 double-overtime victory that felt bigger than a single win in the standings. The result snapped a three-game skid and reinforced the ThunderWolves' belief in themselves as they returned home for a critical RMAC homestand.
Thursday night brings one of the league's top teams to Pueblo as the Pack hosts Black Hills State for White Out Night. The Yellowjackets arrive with a 12–7 overall record and sit 9–3 in RMAC play, placing them third in the conference standings and firmly in the upper tier of the league race. Black Hills State has established itself as one of the most consistent and disciplined teams in the RMAC, built around physicality and rebounding while controlling tempo and limiting mistakes.
Offensively, the Yellowjackets average 68.8 points per game and are led in scoring by Bradie Schlabs at 10.4 points per contest. She is joined by a balanced supporting cast that includes Brinlee McRae at 8.6 points per game and Taylin Serlen at 8.1 points per game, giving Black Hills State multiple scoring threats rather than relying on a single option. Their ability to spread the floor and create second-chance opportunities has made them difficult to contain all season.
For CSU Pueblo, the key will be pace and pressure. The ThunderWolves are at their best when their defense fuels their offense, forcing turnovers and converting them into transition opportunities. Martinez continues to lead the way offensively, while Genesis Sweetwine controls the tempo and ranks among the conference leaders in assists. Ruby Sweeney-Spitzeck provides perimeter shooting and poise, and Dasani Nesbit anchors the interior with rebounding and defensive toughness. Jada Bobb and Wynter Jones bring energy and versatility that allow the Pack to defend multiple positions.
White Out Night adds another layer to the atmosphere inside Massari Arena, and fans are encouraged to wear white to help create a true home-court advantage. The night also features special promotions, with $2 beer and $1 hot dogs available, making Thursday's matchup not only one of the biggest games of the homestand, but also one of the most anticipated nights for ThunderWolves fans.
Saturday afternoon delivers an entirely different storyline as Chadron State comes to town with familiar faces on the opposite sideline. The Eagles arrive with a 1–16 overall record and sit 1–11 in RMAC play as they continue to rebuild under a new coaching staff. Chadron State is led offensively by McKenzi Petersen, who averages 9.7 points per game, along with Audrey Quintana at 9.5 points per contest. Despite their record, the Eagles have shown flashes of competitiveness and have continued to grow as the season progresses.
The Eagles are led by first-year head coach Jalen Little, who spent five seasons on Tommie Johnson's staff at CSU Pueblo and played a major role in the development of the ThunderWolves program. Now, Little returns to Massari Arena for the first time as a head coach.
Adding to the emotion is Chadron State assistant coach Romola Dominguez, one of the most accomplished players in CSU Pueblo women's basketball history. Dominguez starred for the ThunderWolves under both Johnson and Little, leaving her mark as a dynamic scorer and leader. Saturday will mark her first game back in Massari Arena as a coach, standing across from the program she helped build.
Saturday's game will also serve as National Girls and Women in Sports Day, recognizing and celebrating the impact of female athletes and the growth of women's sports at every level. The afternoon will spotlight the importance of opportunity, leadership, and representation, adding significance to an already meaningful matchup.
For the ThunderWolves, Saturday is about focus and maturity. Emotional connections aside, every RMAC game carries weight as the Pack fights for position in the conference standings. With the league tightly packed, CSU Pueblo knows it must defend home court and avoid looking past any opponent. The ThunderWolves' defensive pressure, depth, and ability to share the basketball should be key factors as they look to close out the weekend strong.
This weekend is about momentum, positioning, and identity. Thursday is a test against one of the RMAC's best. Saturday is a reunion wrapped in a conference battle. With White Out Night setting the tone, special promotions energizing the crowd, and National Girls and Women in Sports Day highlighting the weekend, Massari Arena will be the center of attention in the RMAC. Two games, two very different stories, and one big opportunity for the ThunderWolves to continue building belief and consistency as the season moves deeper into February.
