Basketball Recap: Preston Rhodes' Big Game Can't Quite Lead Manitou Springs over University

Manitou Springs and University squared off in some playoff action on Friday, but Manitou Springs had to settle for second. They lost 60-35 to the University Bulldogs. The matchup marked the Mustangs' lowest-scoring game so far this season.

Manitou Springs' defeat came despite a true team effort with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Preston Rhodes, who posted eight points. Jon Polizzi was another key player, putting up six points.

Coehn Nitzel continued his habit of posting crazy stat lines for University, dropping a double-double with 19 points and ten rebounds. Nitzel also grabbed six steals, which is notable because University is 16-1 when he posts at least three steals, but 1-6 otherwise. Another player making a difference was Gage Schminke, who shot 75% from the field en route to 15 points.

Manitou Springs' loss dropped their record down to 16-8. As for University, with the victory, they broke their three-game losing streak and moved their record to 17-7.

Manitou Springs does not have any more games scheduled as of now. As for University, they wasted no time getting back out on the court and have already played their next contest, a 67-62 win against Peak to Peak on the 8th.