GUNNISON – Western State Colorado University men's basketball team fell against the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs Saturday evening, 75-89.

The first half was a close one, with the Mountaineers leading by as much as 11 within the first five minutes. UCCS clawed back, as there were a pair of ties and lead changes in the game. The first half ended with a 40-foot buzzer beater by Mountaineer Chances Matlock to make it a two possession game at 35-40.

Mobile big men Robert Romero and Mountain Lion's Alex Welsh went toe-to-toe, leading their teams in both points and rebounds. Romero had 10 points and five boards in the first half, while Welsh went for 11 and six.

Both teams made exactly four deep balls and 14 field goals, while the Mountain Lions attempted a dozen more free throws to hold a five point lead.

Coming out of the half, the Mountaineers went on a run by center C.J. Schutt making three straight baskets to take a lead at 48-47 with 16 minutes left. After the teams traded a few leads, the Mountaineers held a five point lead until eight minutes remaining in the game, when the Mountain Lions reclaimed the lead at 63-62.

UCCS pushed its lead, going on a 16-2 run to take a 71-62 lead with five minutes remaining in the game. UCCS senior Alex Welsh led the comeback, scoring a double-double with 32 points and 17 boards.

For the Mountaineers, Ben Beauchamp led the way with 20 points. He was accompanied in double-digits by Schutt with 14, Romero with 13 and Danny Hopkins with 12.

Also Hopkins had eight boards, while Beauchamp had four assists.