GUNNISON, Colo. – A strong second half gave Western State Colorado University men's basketball their first win of the season on Friday. The Mountaineers defeated Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University 81-69 in the second game of the Comfort Inn Classic in Gunnison, Colorado.
 
In front of the home crowd, Western (1-2, 0-0 RMAC) used a 45-point second half to hand Embry-Riddle (3-1, 0-0 CalPac) their first loss of the season.
 
Collin Smith helped lead the Mountaineers to their first win of the season, recording his second career double-double. Smith led the game in scoring with a career high 27 points and led the game in rebounding, grabbing 11 boards. Smith has scored 21 or more points in two-of-three games this season.
 
Western got out to a 10-point lead, 17-7 in the first 5:35 of the game. However, the Eagles came soaring back with a 16-2 run over the following 3:22 to take a five-point lead, 24-19.
 
The Mountaineers returned the favor and went into halftime tied with Embry-Riddle, 36-36.
 
The Eagles looked to be the aggressor in the second half and were out to a seven-point lead, 57-50 with 12:44 left to play.
 
After a 14-0 run by the Mountaineers, Western once again took control of the game and were leading 64-57 with 8:48 remaining.
 
The Mountaineers were able to hold onto the lead, earning their first victory of the season.
 
Western used aggressive defense and limited their own turnovers despite Embry-Riddle shooting 51.9 percent (28-of-54) from the field. The Mountaineers turned 21 Eagle turnovers into 28 points, while turning the ball over themselves just 11 times.
 
Brady Subart also reached double digits in scoring for Western. Subart added 15 points, making four three-pointers.
 
Western has now won their last two home games, dating back to the final game of last season when the Mountaineers defeated New Mexico Highlands University 94-81 on Feb. 25, 2017.
 
The Mountaineers will play the final game of the Comfort Inn Classic Saturday night at 7 p.m. against Midwestern State University in Paul Wright Gym.