Mavs Win Home Opener over Dixie State, 76-74
(November 24, 2007)

Mesa State's Justin Swartzendruber scored the winning basket with 10 seconds remaining in regulation for the Mavs 76-74 victory over Dixie State College Saturday night at Brownson Arena.

With 42 seconds remaining in the game MSC's Ryan Mathews hit two free throws to tie the game at 74. Junior transfer Justin Ashbaugh made his only steal of the night with 14 seconds remaining to key the Mavs to victory.

Dixie State held a seven point lead with five minutes remaining when the Mavs went on a 13-4 run and tie the game on Mathews made free throws.

MSC had four players in double digits led by Bassey Ekong's 17 points and six rebounds. Ekong was 5-of-7 from the floor and 7-of-8 from the foul line. Ashbaugh's debut as a Maverick netted 14 points, four assists, three rebounds, a steal and blocked shot. Kurt Bangle added 12 points going 6-of-8 from the field and Mathews tallied 11 points, including 7-of-7 from the foul line.

MSC shot 53.5 % (23-43) from the floor and 84.4 % (27-32) from the foul line.

Dixie State was led by Ryan Sanchez's 25 points. The Rebels shot 53.7 % (29-54) from the field and 78.6 % (11-14) from the free throw line.

MSC will travel to Denver for a non-conference game Friday, November 30 against Johnson & Wales.

---FINAL BOX---