On Saturday night, the Colorado College men's basketball team fell short against the University of St. Thomas at Reid Arena. The Tigers lost 73-70 despite senior Devin Philio's 20 points and 12 rebounds. 
 
CC had four players score in double-digits. Senior Scott Ruegg dished out 14 points, went 3-5 from long range, and had two rebounds, an assist, and two steals. Sophomore Ty Hendler finished with 11 points, two rebounds and an assist. Asher Nofgizer added 10 points, three boards and three assists.

"Tonight was a tough loss," Conarroe said. "From a process perspective, we really improved from our last outing vs. St. Thomas. We have had a tough non-conference schedule, but they are one of the best teams we have played this year.  It was really a high-level game, and I'm proud of our effort, toughness, and resiliency."  
 
The Tigers trailed by as many as 14 in the first half after the Celts jumped out to a 22-8 lead with 12:17 remaining. The Tigers countered with a 24-10 run to end the half, and despite never leading in the first 20 minutes, they managed to tie the game with a trio of Ruegg free throws. 
 
Ruegg led all CC players with 11 points at the break. 
 
In the second, the Tigers claimed their first lead of the evening after a jumper with 14 seconds into the half to make it 34-32. 
 
The lead changed hands 12 times throughout the game. CC's biggest advantage was a 43-37 lead with 16:01 left after Hendler knocked down a three-pointer. 
 
UST battled back and went on a mini-run to retake the 45-43 lead with 14:22 left, only to be answered by an Orion Samikoglu three-pointer to put CC out in front again. 
 
Samikoglu finished with six points after converting twice from long range. 
 
The lead continued to change possession as UST claimed a short lead with under seven minutes to play, building a lead to as many as five. CC made it a one-possession game with a Nofziger field goal inside the paint, making it 71-68 with 1:32 left. 
 
UST controlled the ball and reached the charity stripe, converting successfully with 41 seconds left, extending the lead back to five points. 
 
Samikoglu had a chance to make it a two-point game with a three-pointer with 10 seconds left, but it fell short. 
 
Hendler was fouled on the opposite end of the floor and made two three-throws with two seconds left to make it 73-70. UST maintained possession and ran out the clock to secure the tight victory. 

"We just didn't make enough winning plays," Conarroe said.  "We were much improved taking care of the ball, and I felt like we would have a great chance if the TO battle was even and we could win the glass, which we accomplished.  We just were a few missed layups, missed free throws, and stops away from pulling off a huge win.  St. Thomas played great; they earned a hard-fought win and much respect. Devin [Philio] was fantastic in every aspect of the game. "
 
The Tigers will play again on Monday, Jan. 6^th, against UC Santa Cruz at Reid Arena at 2 pm MT.