GUNNISON – Ben Beauchamp came out of the gates firing. In just nine minutes of play, the Western State Colorado University men's basketball guard had 18 of the team's 24 points. Despite the career-high performance, Fort Lewis College held off Western in overtime, 107-103.
 
Beauchamp would go the next 24 points without a basket, but Collin Smith and Will Duggan would fill in along with guards Monroe Porter and Brady Subart. The Mountaineers came back from down 14 with eight minutes in regulation to take the lead at the three minute mark. The Skyhawks shot free throws to go to overtime, then Rasmus Bach took over for five points in overtime to secure the win.
 
Beauchamp's performance was a career-high, shooting 13 of 23 from the floor, including six of eleven from beyond the arc. He also had eight assists, six boards and a pair of steals. Smith came off the bench for 21 points, shooting eight of 12 from the floor, while Duggan had 15 with six of 12 shooting and eight assists.
 
Also for Western, Monroe Porter and Brady Subart both sank three treys for nine points apiece. Monroe led the team with seven boards.
 
The Mountaineers will be on the road for the remainder of the 2016 year, playing at New Mexico Highlands on the 16^th at 7 p.m., then at CSU-Pueblo the following night. The team closes out the year with a game at University of Colorado-Colorado Springs on Dec. 30^th.