Another scare, but another loss for UCCS

Russ Caton hopes the learning curve for Colorado-Colorado Springs is a fast one.

The Mountain Lions scared another Division I program Sunday in the Reggie Minton Air Force Classic at Clune Arena, but lost 87-78 to Texas-Pan American.

"Getting our tails kicked by Division I schools is definitely a learning experience," said Caton, in his third year as UCCS coach.

UCCS was outscored 22-10 down the stretch after taking a 68-65 lead with just less than 8 minutes left on a jumper by Nick Miller, who led the Lions with 15 points.

UCCS didn't make another basket until 50 seconds remained. The Lions also suffered five of their 22 turnovers in a stretch of 2:34 as the Broncos had a 13-2 spurt to go ahead 78-70.

"Turnovers killed us," said sophomore guard Ben Feilmeier, who had 10 points, four assists and three steals. "We purposely schedule these Division I teams to learn from it and make it easier in conference."

UCCS, a Division II team, was within five points of Air Force with 10:30 left Saturday before losing 86-65.

Caton is 2-2 against Division I teams after beating Northern Colorado two years ago and Southern Utah last season.

UCCS led nearly the entire first half, but the Broncos rallied from a seven-point deficit to lead 37-36 at intermission.

"When the game was on the line, we didn't match their physicality," Caton said. "They played tougher than us. I think the experience will pay off for us down the line."

UCCS (0-3) got 13 points and three steals from Widefield High School graduate Frank McCollum. Tommy Klausner, a 6-foot-7 redshirt freshman, had 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Texas-Pan American (2-3), which lost 75-70 to Wofford on Saturday, got 19 points and eight assists from sophomore guard Nick Weiermiller. Emmanuel Jones added 16 points and P.J. Turner had 15.

"We need to play better defense," McCollum said. "We've got to keep the mindset that defense comes first."

UCCS has four more games before conference play begins, three on the road.

"We're young," Caton said, "so we're trying to get a year's worth of experience in seven non-conference games."