GUNNISON – Despite leading halfway through the first half, Western State Colorado University men's basketball team's homecoming in Paul Wright Gymnasium was spoiled by Wayland Baptist University, 89-78, in the last game of the night in the 2016 Comfort Inn Classic. Western will rebound and take on Dine College tomorrow evening at 7 p.m.
 
The Mountaineers jumped out to a quick lead, leading by six through 10 minutes of play. After, the Pioneers went on a run behind center Louis Timms' double-double to finish the half with a 10 point lead. Timms led all scorers with 24 points and 13 rebounds.
 
Much of the first half success came from Collin Smith, who was perfect from the field in the half with 16 points. Smith came off the bench to provide a team-high 21 points on eight of 11 shooting from the floor.
 
Also for Western was James Willis with 13 points, and Will Duggan and Patrick Sniff with 10 apiece. Sniff also led all Mountaineers with six boards.
 
Turnovers and points in the paint were the difference in the game. Wayland scored 38 points in the paint and 19 off of turnovers, compared to 14 points in the paint for Western and 11 points off of turnovers. Western's bench outscored the starters 49 points to 29.