CJ Ward hits game winner to lift the Mountaineers in road thriller, 71-69

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — CJ Ward’s layup as time expired lifted Schreiner University to a dramatic 71-69 victory over Colorado College on Friday night at Reid Arena.

Ward, who finished with six points, converted the game-winner off an assist from Mario Johnson, capping a back-and-forth contest that featured 10 ties and 22 lead changes. The win improved Schreiner’s record to 19-5, marking the best record in school history.

Dylan Mackey led the Mountaineers with a game-high 22 points, including four 3-pointers, while Kamden Ross added a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Beau Cervantes and Johnson each contributed 10 points.

The Mountaineers trailed 31-29 at halftime but outscored Colorado College 42-38 in the second half. Schreiner shot 45% from the field for the game and hit 7 of 22 from beyond the arc.

Colorado College (13-11) was paced by Devin Philio’s 14 points and seven rebounds. Ty Hendler added 10 points and eight rebounds for the Tigers, who shot 39.1% from the field but struggled from 3-point range, hitting just 6 of 27 attempts.

The game remained tight throughout the second half. After Scott Ruegg’s jumper tied the score at 69 with 17 seconds remaining, Schreiner held for the final shot, setting up Ward’s heroics.

Schreiner’s defense forced 14 Tiger turnovers and recorded nine steals, with Cervantes and Ross each collecting two.