GUNNISON, Colo. – Western State Colorado University men's basketball played the first of three straight home games on Friday night. Three Mountaineers scored in double figures but Western was unable to keep pace with New Mexico Highlands University, falling 86-65 in Paul Wright Gym.
 
There was little breathing room between Western (3-8, 1-4 RMAC) and NMHU (7-4, 2-3 RMAC) through the first 10 minutes of the game. The two teams exchanged baskets and were tied 17-17 at the 10:44 mark of the first half.
 
The Cowboys then went on a 23-8 run to gain some separation and were ahead 40-25 with 1:22 left in the first stanza. NMHU took a 42-32 lead into halftime.
 
NMHU continued to build their lead in the second half and earned an 86-65 conference victory.
 
Ben Beauchamp paced the Mountaineers, scoring 17 points. Teammate Brady Subart added 14 points to score in double figures for the third straight game, while Collin Smith scored 12 points.
 
NMHU's Nmamdi Okoro led all players with 23 points, scoring 13 points from the free-throw line.
 
Western will return to the hardwood Saturday when they host Colorado State University Pueblo. The Thunderwolves earned their first conference victory of the season Friday night, defeating Colorado Mesa University 88-72.