ALAMOSA, Colo. – The Western State Colorado University women's basketball team took over in the fourth quarter to defeat rival Adams State 67-53 on their home court. The Mountaineers dominated in the post to tame the Grizzlies.
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After three quarters of relatively tight basketball, Western (4-5, 1-2 RMAC) turned up the pressure in the final ten minutes to secure the win over Adams (2-3, 0-3 RMAC). Through the first three quarters, the game remained relatively tight before Western unleashed a scoring barrage in the fourth, leading by as many as 20 points with 2:22 remaining in the game.
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Katie Dalton continued her strong debut season for the Mountaineers pouring in 16 points – her second highest tally of the season. Following Dalton's led in the paint,
Jadyn Kanzler had a break-out night scoring 14 points in 16 minutes of play.
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Combined, the Mountaineers scored 50 of their 67 points in the paint on a season's best 57.4% shooting. While boosting their offensive efficiency, Western held Adams State to a mere 27% shooting from the floor.
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Samantha Coleman turned in another strong performance, scoring 11 points for the second straight game.
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After jumping out to quick lead, Western would maintain their edge throughout the first half. At the break, Western lead 30-26.
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With 7:16 remaining in the third, Adams State tied the game at 32 before edging ahead on a Lejla Hadzialijagic layup. It would the only time the Grizzlies led, as
Jadyn Kanzler poured in five straight points over the next thirty seconds to push Western back in front.
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Western didn't look back as
Jessie Erickson got Western rolling in the fourth to start a Western run. The Mountaineers would hold the Grizzlies scoreless for a three-minute span going on an 11-point run to build a 57-38 lead. The surge would be enough to hold the Mountaineers down the stretch.
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Western returns to the court tomorrow night in Durango, Colorado versus the #20 ranked Fort Lewis College Skyhawks.Â
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