GUNNISON – Western State Colorado University fell against Western New Mexico University Saturday evening in Paul Wright Gymnasium, 88-73. The Mountaineers return to action against Black Hills State University and South Dakota School of Mines next weekend in Gunnison.
 
The Mountaineers (3-12, 2-7 RMAC) clawed back from down 11 to finish the first half down 10, 37-27. Center C.J. Schutt had a dozen first half points, making all but one of his six shots from the field. Western had 10 points off of turnovers and five second chance points, both five more than their opponent.
 
For the Cowboys (8-7, 7-2 RMAC), Kendrick Nichols and James Healy each scored a dozen in the first half. The team shot 50 percent from the field and 43 percent from beyond the arc in the first half.
 
Out of the break, the Mountaineers clawed back to take the lead by three with ten minutes remaining in the game. Unfortunately Western couldn't stop the Cowboys high powered offense, and lost by 15.
 
The Cowboys finished with three players with 20 points, led by Ron Lawton with 24. Marlon Johnson and Kendrick Nichols each had 20, while James Healy had 17.
 
For the Mountaineers, C.J. Schutt led all scorers with 16 points. He was six of nine from the field. Danny Hopkins had 15, while Ben Beauchamp added 13.
 
The team had 14 assists, led by Hopkins five. Ray Beresford and Beauchamp had three steals each. The team committed just 10 turnovers compared to the Cowboys 18. The Cowboys had eight blocks in the game.