GOLDEN, Colo. – Western State Colorado University women's basketball took the lead with 8:45 left to play against Colorado School of Mines. However, the Mountaineers were unable to hold onto the lead and fell to the Orediggers 71-51.
 
Heading into the fourth quarter, Western (4-11, 3-8 RMAC) trailed CSM (10-10, 6-5 RMAC) by just four points. The Mountaineers then took the lead, 49-48, off two layups and a free throw from Carra Jackson-Brown.
 
However, the Orediggers would go on a 23-2 run to end the fourth quarter, taking a 71-51 win.
 
After winning the second quarter 13-9, the Mountaineers went into the break down just two points, 24-26. Western's offense hung tough in the third, scoring 20 points. Unfortunately, the Orediggers' offense also produced in the third, scoring 22 points.
 
Forward Mackenzie Tucker led Western with 11 points, shooting 5-of-9 from the field (55.56 percent). Jackson-Brown also added nine points for the Mountaineers.
 
CSM's Emily Bailey led all players in scoring with 23 points.
 
The Mountaineers return home next weekend to host University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and Metro State University Denver.