Colorado College's starting forwards combined for 40 points and 21 rebounds to lift the Tigers to a 67-58 victory over the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in the opening game of the 2021 Rocky Mountain Thanksgiving Classic on Friday afternoon at Reid Arena.

Rosie Braley connected on three of four shots from behind the arc during the first quarter as CC stormed to a 18-3 lead. The junior forward finished with 15 points, grabbed nine rebounds and blocked three shots.

After the Crusaders pulled to within 34-30 on a jumper by Cheyanne Bonilla almost four minutes into the second half, Healy Bledsoe scored the Tigers' next eight points, including back-to-back three pointers, to give CC a 42-32 cushion with 4:43 to play in the third quarter. The freshman forward finished with 10 points and five rebounds.

Talia Cloud scored eight of her 15 points in the fourth quarter, including six of the Tigers' first seven points that stretched their advantage to 17 points, the largest of the game. The junior forward also produced seven rebounds and a blocked shot.

UMHB scored six consecutive points to cut its deficit to 64-57 with 1:08 left in the game, but sophomore guard Audrey Bayston sank three of four free throws to seal the victory.

As a team, Colorado College blocked nine shots and finished with a 51-42 advantage on the glass.

Freshman forward Zoe Tomlinson, who also blocked three shots, and Braley grabbed nine rebounds apiece for the Tigers.

Junior guard Anna Fanelli dished out a game-high 11 assists, reaching double-digits for the second time this season and the fifth time in her career.

Coach's Comments
"Anna Fanelli controlled the pace for us tonight against a very talented opponent," head coach Katherine Menendez said. "The looks she helped to create gave us consistent momentum throughout the contest. In addition, our post players stepped up their rebounding and scoring efforts and that made a huge difference.
 
"We are still at the beginning of what is an extremely challenging non-conference schedule. I trust that the experience we gain against quality opponents is going to pay off for us once we begin SCAC play and it's exciting to see significant growth in our group with each game."
   
   
Colorado College Standouts
Audrey Bayston scored sis points and pulled down seven rebounds.
Zoe Tomlinson grabbed nine rebounds and blocked three shots.

Mary Hardin-Baylor Standouts
Cheyanne Bonilla led the Crusaders with 10 points.
Arieona Rosborough produced seven points, six rebounds and five assists.
 
Notes
Colorado College evened its season record at 2-2.
Mary Hardin-Baylor slipped to 1-2.
 
Next for the Tigers
Colorado College plays host to No. 16 Hardin-Simmons University in the tournament finale on Saturday at 2 p.m. MT.