GUNNISON, Colo. – Western State Colorado University women's basketball will play their final game of 2016 on Friday. The Mountaineers travel to Colorado Springs, Colorado to play University of Colorado at Colorado Springs at 5:30 p.m. in the Gallogly Events Center.
 
After a holiday respite from competition this past week, Western (3-7, 2-4 RMAC) returns to the court, tied for ninth in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference standings.

Western is 2-2 in their last four games, defeating Adams State University and New Mexico Highlands University.
 
The Mountaineers' success is in large part thanks to the team's defensive performance. Western is averaging a 0.64 turnover margin per game, which ranks fourth best in the conference.
 
However, the UCCS defense has also provided their team with a lift. The Mountain Lions are averaging an RMAC high 9.67 steals per game and rank second in the conference with 4.33 blocks per game.
 
Harlie Williams has led the Mountaineers' offense all season long, averaging 9.3 points per game. Williams also leads the team in rebounding, having grabbed 51 rebounds already this season.
 
UCCS (8-4, 5-1 RMAC) is tied for second place in the conference standings heading into Friday's game. The Mountain Lions are also a perfect 4-0 this season at home. UCCS is coming off two straight wins at home, defeating Colorado Christian University and Colorado School of Mines.
 
Brittany Hernandez leads UCCS in scoring, averaging 16.6 points per game. Hernandez is the third leading scorer in the RMAC. She is also the conference's second leading rebounder, averaging 8.2 rebounds per game.
 
Western's last win over UCCS came on Jan. 17, 2009 when the Mountaineers defeated the Mountain Lions 70-65 in Colorado Springs.
 
Fans unable to make the game can follow all the action live online (live stats, live video).