This game recap is presented by MAA Corporate Partner Chamberland Orthopaedics
GUNNISON, Colo. - Down three points with time winding down, a last second shot fell for Western State Colorado University women's basketball Friday night. However, the basket was only worth two points and time expired as Fort Lewis College (16-9, 13-8 RMAC) inbounded the ball, taking a 65-64 win in Paul Wright Gym.
Jade McIntosh (Sr., Colorado Springs, Colorado) put the Mountaineers on her back in the first half. McIntosh scored 16 of the team's 31 first half points. The senior forward actually scored all 12 of Western's first points of the game.
Despite McIntosh's and her team's efforts, the Mountaineers trailed the Skyhawks by nine with 1:32 remaining in the first half. An and-one opportunity by
Sydnie Lengyel (So., Tempe, Ariz.) cut that lead to six, and another good jumper from the forward cut the lead to just four at the break.
It took Western (4-21, 3-18 RMAC) less than two minutes into the second half to erase the deficit and earn their first lead of the game 37-36.
For the rest of the game, neither team was able to extend a lead past four points, until the Skyhawks pushed the lead to seven points with 42 seconds remaining. With the game in dire straights, Western's
Ajai Ford (Jr., Los Angeles, California) hit a clutch three-point field goal to drop the FLC lead to four with 35 seconds left. A Skyhawk turnover setup
Taylor Long (Fr., Moreno Valley, California) for a jumper to cut the lead to just two points with 12 seconds left to play.
After FLC made the front end and missed the back end of two free throws, Western had the ball with 10 seconds remaining. The Mountaineers marched down the floor, and with time expiring
Stephanie Williams (RFr., Cerritos, California) hit a jumper. Unfortunately, the basket was only worth two points, falling just short of FLC's three point lead.
McIntosh led all players in scoring with 25 points. Long was the only other Mountaineer to score in double figures, adding 10 points.
The Mountaineers will have their final game of the season Saturday night. Western will bid farewell to their two seniors Saturday, McIntosh and
Maricel Medina (Sr., Albuquerque, N.M.). The Mountaineers will face Adams State University Saturday night at 5:30 p.m. in Paul Wright Gym.
