GUNNISON – Western State Colorado University men's basketball team defeated South Dakota School of Mines and Technology tonight in the Paul Wright Gymnasium, 75-65. The Mountaineers go on a four game road streak before returning to home the first weekend of February.
 
The Hardrockers jumped out to a quick lead behind point guard Jaisean Jackson. Jackson scored 23 first half points on nine of 13 from the floor. SDSMT shot 61 percent from the field in the first half and 60 percent from beyond the arc.
 
Western in the first half struggled to find its shot early. The team made less than 10 percent of their shots from deep, and only sunk eight total baskets in the first game. Ben Beauchamp and C.J. Schutt each scored 10 first half points, sinking three shots each and making more than three free throws.
 
After the break the Mountaineers bunkered down and went on a run. Down 14, the Mountaineers clawed back into the game, tying it at 55 apiece with nine minutes remaining. Robert Romero and Beauchamp were a huge part of the comeback. Romero, who had four first half points, shot four for four for deep in the second half to finish with 23 points. Beauchamp added 12 to finish with 22. Schutt finished seven of eight from the foul line for 18 points.
 
Defense was the key, as Western held the Hardrockers to 24 in the second half. The Mountaineers had seven total steals and four second half blocks, two of which by Beauchamp. Romero and Schutt each had nine boards in the win. Western forced nine second half turnovers, scoring a total of 14 points off of turnovers. The Mountaineers turned the shooting around, shooting 50 percent from the field and 54 percent from deep in the second half.  They held their opponents to 32 percent from the floor and 25 from deep.