No. 2 Colorado Mesa brings a 3-0 start and the Outrigger Hotels Hoops in Hawaii Tip Off Classic title into its home opener against Texas Permian Basin on Friday. Mason Rowland led the Mavericks in Hawaii, while Sedonia Isenbart emerged as a potent scoring option off the bench. UTPB finished 15-14 last season and was picked ninth in the Lone Star Conference.

By the Numbers
  • Colorado Mesa: 3-0 in Hawaii, winning each game by 7 points or more.
  • Mason Rowland: 28.3 points and 11.7 rebounds per game; tournament MVP.
  • Sedonia Isenbart: 14.3 points per game, including a career-high 23 in the title game.
  • Mesa has made 66 of 79 free throws; opponents have made 17 of 28.
Yes, But

Mesa’s early results are impressive, but its offense has been less efficient than its opponents’: the Mavericks are shooting 35.8% from the field, compared with 37.3% for opponents, and have made fewer 3-pointers. Their free-throw advantage has been decisive, especially in close games.

State of Play
  • Rowland has taken on the primary scoring role, while Isenbart has quickly become the team’s second-leading scorer.
  • Jenna Krise has returned from injury, starting all 3 games and providing another steady option.
  • UTPB is led early by Mikalah Buckley, who scored 23 points in the Falcons’ season-opening win.
What’s Next

After Friday’s home opener, Mesa is scheduled to host No. 20 West Texas A&M on Sunday, then travel to Las Vegas for the Division II Jackpot Classic on Nov. 27-28, where it will face Gannon and Central Missouri.

Bottom Line

Mesa’s title defense is off to a strong start, powered by Rowland’s breakout leadership and a major edge at the free-throw line. The home opener will test whether those strengths can carry over against UTPB.