Standout performances key Pack's first win

CSU-Pueblo 71, Northern New Mexico 51

ESPANOLA, N.M. - Standout efforts by Roman Van Allen (Jr., Los Angeles, Calif.) and Marc Williams (Jr., Seattle, Wash.) helped the Pack to its first win of the season Tuesday, knocking off NAIA-Northern New Mexico 71-51.

The ThunderWolves seemed destined to secure an epic beating of the homestanding Eagles, storming to a 15-0 lead to start the game.  But Northern New Mexico made things interesting, responding with an 11-0 run of their own before the Pack evened the score with a 7-2 run that kept the Eagles around 10 points away from the Pack the rest of the way.

The ThunderWolves were led by Van Allen, who was in the neighborhood of the rare double-double with steals, scoring seven thefts and 20 points, sinking four three-pointers. 

Van Allen was matched by teammate Williams, who had his best day in a Pack uniform, as well, sinking 21 points and coming close to a double-double of this own, taking down nine boards.

Overall, the Pack shot 49 percent, executed 13 steals, and won the rebound battle 35-27. 

"We came in down after a rough home stand, and it was good to come away with a good win," Eberhart said.  "We two newcomers finding a groove tonight (Van Allen and Williams) and that really helped us."

The Pack will depart for Canyon, Tex. this weekend for the West Texas A&M Tournament, taking place Friday and Saturday.