Pierce, transition defense keys Pack's win

CSU-Pueblo 61, UC-San Diego 43

Seventeen steals by the ThunderWolves, as well as a 19-point, tournament MVP effort by Daniel Pierce (Jr., Edgewood, N.M.), keyed the ThunderWolves' 61-43 win over UC-San Diego at the Al Kaly Shrine Classic.

The ThunderWolves turned in 12 first half steals, holding UC-San Diego without a field goal for a 12-minute stretch and all but securing the win by halftime, carrying a 30-16 lead into the break.

Pierce caught fire in the second half, hitting the ThunderWolves' only three-pointers, as he netted 11 in the half to lead the Pack to victory.

Senior transfer Chris Busch (Sr., Oakland, Calif.) also impressed in his first action as a ThunderWolf, turning in a double-double with a 12-point, 10-rebound effort in claiming all-tournament honors.  Marc Williams (Sr., Seattle, Wash.) also earned all-tournament honors with his 11 points.

Defensively is where the Pack shined, out-boarding the Tritons 42-37 and holding UC-San Diego to just 32 percent shooting.  Roman Van Allen (Sr., Los Angeles, Calif.), despite going 0-for-8 shooting, recorded six steals and three assists in the win.

The ThunderWolves will travel to Grand Junction next weekend for the Mesa State Tournament, where they will take on defending RMAC champion, Metro State, and NAIA-powerhouse, Central Methodist.