This game recap is presented by MAA Corporate Partner Sodexo Campus Services
PUEBLO, Colo. - Western State Colorado University men's basketball earned their first victory of the season Saturday. The Mountaineers won in thrilling fashion, defeating West Texas A&M University 97-88 in double overtime.
After shooting just 28.57 percent from the field in the first half, Western (1-1, 0-0 RMAC) found their rhythm in the second half. The Mountaineers shot 46.15 percent, making five three-point field goals.
Despite Western controlling most of the second half, WTAMU (0-2, 0-0 LSC) came out and took a first overtime lead. The Buffs found themselves ahead six points with just 52 seconds remaining in the first overtime.
Western was able to get back into the game at the free throw line.
Mason Biddle (Sr., Riverside, California) made four key free throws to cut the lead to two points with 30 seconds remaining. Biddle scored 17 points on Saturday, 15 of which came from the charity stripe.
The Mountaineers then sent the Buffs to the free throw line and after missing one-of-two, Western had a chance to extend the game.
Danny Hopkins (Jr., Riverside, California) answered the call and hit a deep three with seven seconds left, to tie the game at 82 points and force another overtime.
WTAMU scored the first two points of the second overtime, but the Mountaineers scored the following 13 points to take an 11 point lead with 45 seconds remaining. Western was able to hang on and secure their first victory of the 2014 season.
Biddle was one assist and one rebound away from recording the first triple-double of his career. Teammate CJ Schutt (Jr., Yorkville, Illinois) led the Mountaineers in scoring with 19 points, while Hopkins added 16,
Alex Eddy (Jr., Phoenix, Arizona) scored 14, and
Devin Kastrup (Sr., Colorado Springs, Colorado) scored 12.
WTAMU's Antjuan Ball led all players in scoring with 20 points.
Western will continue the season on Tuesday against the University of Wyoming. The game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. from Laramie, Wyoming.
