GUNNISON – Western State Colorado University men's basketball team turn into the New Year with a weekend home bid against Regis University and Chadron State College. The Mountaineers take on the Rangers at 7:30 p.m. Friday, then host the Eagles Saturday at 7 p.m.
 
Friday will be Kids Night, allowing all children into the game free if accompanied by a paying adult. Saturday will be VIP for a Night, allowing all Mountaineer fans to enjoy the benefits of being a member of the MAA for a night. For more information click here.
The Mountaineers (2-9, 1-6 RMAC) are led lately by a trio of guards. Ben Beauchamp leads all scorers with nearly 17 points per game. The junior has 46 trips to the foul line this season, converting 39 times. He is also a deep threat, sinking a team-high 31 treys. He is also second on the team with 31 assists, and leads the team with 15 steals.
 
Joining Beauchamp are Will Duggan and Collin Smith. Duggan leads the team with 38 assists, and is also sinking 40 percent of his deep shots. Duggan averages nearly a dozen points per game. Smith is averaging more than 10 points per game and is converting 89 percent of his foul shots.
 
Western has been shooting well from deep, sinking nearly 10 3-pointers per game. Despite the high shooting, Western is behind on field goals made per game, averaging just 26 while opponents are more than 29. Western will also need to become sharper down low, as the team is getting blocked four times per game.