GUNNISON – Western State Colorado University men's basketball team fell victim to Black Hills State University, 88-79, in a close battle in Paul Wright gym Friday evening. The team takes on South Dakota School of Mines tomorrow evening.
 
Western came out struggling in the first half, falling down 20, 44-24. After half time the Mountaineers came out with fire, putting up 55 points to their opponents 44 in the half. Western State fell short in the end, as the team was outshot 46 percent to 40 from the field and 39 to 33 from deep.
 
C.J Schutt continued to shine down low for the Mountaineers, as he led all scorers with 20 points. Schutt made half of his shots from the field and six of seven from the foul line. He also recorded a double-double, tearing down 10 boards and three assists.
 
Danny Hopkins and Ray Beresford both scored in the double digits. Hopkins scored 17 points and had six rebounds, while Beresford made half of his shots from the field and four of five from the line for 10 points.
 
The Yellowjackets distributed the ball well, with four players in double digits. Wyatt Krogman and Nick Ongarato both put up 19, while Max Mueller recorded a double-double with 15 points and a dozen boards. Patrick Mendes added 10 points.