CHADRON, Neb. – Western State Colorado University men's basketball team fell victim against Chadron State College for the first game of the New Year. The Eagles came back to win the game, 83-78 in a close hot shooting game. The Mountaineers take on Regis University tomorrow afternoon at three. 

The Mountaineers put on a show in the first half, outscoring the Eagles 47 to 34. Western hit eight of 12 from beyond the arc, led by Robert Romero who sank three in the first half. Romero wasn't alone, as Ray Beresford hit both from deep that he took, and C.J. Schutt went a perfect four-for-four from the field for eight points each. 

The Eagles clawed back in the second half, taking a four point lead with four minutes remaining in the game. Romero hit a three to bring it to 79-77 with a minute remaining, and Will Duggan was fouled to close the game to a single point lead. Warren Gordon, sank two free throws to make the lead three with 21 seconds remaining, as Ben Beauchamp came down and barely missed a game-tying shot with five seconds remaining.

Beauchamp, who only scored five points in the first half, went off for a team-high 26 points. Beauchamp sank five shots from deep in the second half after making just one in the first half. 

Romero ended the game with 14 points and nine rebounds. Tom Folsom added in seven boards, while Danny Hopkins had seven assists.

Western State finished the game with 11 three point shots in the game. They shot 52 percent from the arc as a team.