Mesa State College opened the 2007-2008 season with a 80-55 victory over Eckerd College Friday night at the Colorado School of Mines Tip-off Classic in Golden, CO.

Junior Kurt Bangle led the Mavs with 20 points including a perfect 10-of-10 from the free throw line. Bangle pulled down five rebounds, registered one assist, block and steal in 27 minutes of action. MSC had three players score in double figures with Ryan Mathews finishing with 15 points (3-of-4 from 3-point range) and Justin Ashbaugh added 11 points, three steals and two assists.

Eckerd College hit just 3-of-21 from outside the arc and had 26 turnovers. MSC shot 41.8 % from the floor (23-55) and 55 % (11-20) from the 3-point line.

Saturday night Morningside College improved to 6-0 on the year defeating the Mavericks 73-65 at the Mines Tip-off Classic. The loss dropped the Mavs to 1-1 overall.

MSC had four players in double figures led again by Kurt Bangle's 15 points and four rebounds. Justin Ashbaugh recorded 13 points and a game high seven rebounds. Ryan Mathews and Jake Swartzendruber scored 12 and 10 points respectively.

MSC trailed by just one point at half (33-34) and took a three point lead (46-43) early in the second half (14:21) on two made free throws by Bangle. Morningside went on a 9-0 run for a six point lead and never trailed again despite MSC pulling to within one point (61-62) at the 3:59 mark.

MSC shot 45.1 % from the floor (23-51) and just 66.7 % from the free throw line (14-21). Morningside shot 48 % (24-50) on the night and 42.1 % from the 3-point line (8-19).

MSC will open at home next week against Dixie State College in the Holiday Inn Thanksgiving Classic. MSC will play the Rebels Saturday, November 24 at 7 PM at Brownson Arena.

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