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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
Samantha Coleman turned in another strong performance, scoring 11 points for the second straight game.
 
After jumping out to quick lead, Western would maintain their edge throughout the first half. At the break, Western lead 30-26.
 
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.
 
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.
 
Western returns to the court tomorrow night in Durango, Colorado versus the #20 ranked Fort Lewis College Skyhawks.