GUNNISON, Colo. – Already this early in the season, Paul Wright Gym has provided some special moments for Western State Colorado University basketball. On Friday night, Western women's basketball provided one of those moments, defeating rival Adams State University 41-39 on a last second three-pointer.
 
With 10 seconds remaining ASU (1-5, 0-3 RMAC) had the ball and the lead. The Grizzlies looked to be heading to the free throw line with a one-point lead. However, Western (2-5, 1-2 RMAC) had a different idea as the defense would not allow the Grizzlies to inbound the ball, forcing a five second call and a turnover.
 
The Mountaineers capitalized on the turnover as Brianna Wilber found Sadie Stroup in the corner. Stroup nailed the three-pointer to put Western ahead, 41-39 with 2.3 seconds remaining.
 
Stroup would lead all players with 10 points scored on Friday night. The senior guard was 4-of-8 shooting from the field and 2-of-4 from beyond the arc.
 
The Grizzlies had one last opportunity, but the three-point try rattled off the rim and the Mountaineers earned their first Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference win of the season.
 
Western's defense shined in the fourth quarter as they allowed only six points in the final 10 minutes. In total, the Mountaineers forced 23 ASU turnovers, converting them into 17 points.
 
The Mountaineers held the ASU offense to a mere 24.6 percent (14-of-57) shooting from the field.
 
Both teams struggled to get the offense going early as both teams combined for 12 points scored in the first quarter.
 
ASU would score 22 points in the first half and take an eight point lead into halftime.
 
The Mountaineers cut that deficit to six points heading into the fourth quarter, outscoring the Grizzlies 17-11 in the third.
 
In total, 10 Mountaineers reached the scoring column against ASU. Along with Stroup's 10 points, teammates Kaylynn Bush and Mackenzie Tucker each had six points.
 
Harlie Williams, the Mountaineers leading scorer, was held to just two points, but the senior managed to grab 10 rebounds, half of which came on the offensive end.
 
DeShea Wilkes led the Grizzlies' offensive charge, scoring nine points.
 
The Mountaineers will continue the season Saturday night when they host Fort Lewis College at 5 p.m. in Paul Wright Gym.