GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – After a close first half, the Colorado Mesa University Mavericks overpowered the St. Edward's men's basketball team in the second to win 81-64 in the Hilltoppers' season opener. 

Colorado Mesa 6-foot-9 forward Trevor Baskin set the tone for the Mavericks, scoring 10 first-half points on 4-for-6 shooting. St. Edward's responded with a combined 16 points from starting backcourt Jeff Gary and Carson Tuttle on a pair of 3-for-4 shooting performances. BENNETT MOHN poured in 12 points off the bench on a perfect 3-for-3 shooting from deep and the free-throw line to give the HIlltoppers a 37-35 lead at the half. 

St. Edward's extended its lead to seven to open the second half, but Colorado Mesa's starting five overwhelmed with blistering efficiency, combining to shoot 13-for-20 from the field after the break to pull ahead by as much as 17 points. 

Baskin once again led the charge, scoring 16 points on seven shots to finish with a game-high 26 points on 9-for-13 shooting and nine rebounds, including five on the offensive glass. Blaise Threatt also scored in double figures with 16 points on 10 shots, and Mac Rinker keyed the defense with five steals and a pair of blocks. 

Mohn led three Hilltoppers in double figures with 15 points on seven shots. Gary added 13 points and Tuttle poured in 12 with four assists. 

Colorado Mesa dominated inside, outsourcing the Hilltoppers 42-12 in the paint. The Mavericks also held a 17-3 edge in fast-break points. 

St. Edward's will seek to bounce back on Saturday against Colorado Christian University at 6:00 p.m. CST.