Hot first half leads Pack to win over Mines

PUEBLO, Colo. - Pack coach Kip Drown was trying something. After keeping a firm lineup for most of the season, the ThunderWolves' coach did some tinkering for Thursday's game against Mines, with Michelle Ambuul and Kaylon Miller getting into the starting lineup to shore up the perimiter game.

The result was the best first half of the season, resulting in a 41-26 halftime advantage that the Pack rode to a 62-54 victory.

The ThunderWolves played clean, disciplined basketball in the first half, especially defensively, and hit shots to boot. Lindsay Black scored 15 in the half, registering four blocks, as well, while the rest of the team was .500 from the field and .500 from behind the arc.

"I think that was our best half of the season," Drown said. "We were very pleased with our performance. But I have to give credit to Mines, because they made the proper adjustments and really came after us in the second half."

Mines forced the ThunderWolves into some tough shots and used it to go on a 11-2 run. Sensing a panic, Drown called a time out and focused the troops. The ThunderWolves responded with a 10-0 run that essentially iced the game for the Pack.

"They took away our rhythm, but we never panicked," Drown said. "We started to get some good looks and hit some big shots late."

One of those big shots came in the final two minutes, after Mines got within 8 with two minutes remaining. Rachel Espinoza hit a blind-sided layup to put the Pack back up 10 and take the air out of any comeback.

The Pack's win elevates their record to 10-5 for the season, and 4-3 in RMAC play.