GUNNISON, Colo. – Western State Colorado University men's basketball is now undefeated in their last five home games, following Saturday night's 90-76 win over Black Hills State University. Ben Beauchamp's 30 points helped fuel the Mountaineers over the Yellow Jackets in a crucial conference victory.
 
Western (9-12, 7-8 RMAC) kept postseason play a possibility with the win over BHSU (11-8, 8-7 RMAC). The Mountaineers are now just one game out of eighth place, the final tournament spot, in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.
 
The Mountaineers and Yellow Jackets both had long runs with the lead in the first half. BHSU led by nine points with 6:51 left in the first half, but was quickly erased by the Mountaineer sharp shooters. Western went on a 21-6 run to end the half and take a 46-40 lead into the break.
 
Western grinded out the second half, never relinquishing the lead to the Yellow Jackets.
 
Beauchamp led all players with 30 points and has now scored in double figures in seven straight games. He has also scored 20 or more points in four of those contests. Beauchamp also grabbed seven rebounds to tie for a game-high.
 
Collin Smith also scored over 20 points for the seventh time this season. Smith added 23 points to go along with six rebounds and three assists.
 
As a team, Western shot 54.3 percent (25-of-46) from the field.
 
The Mountaineers took advantage of BHSU's mistakes, converting 12 turnovers into 24 points.
 
Western will continue the season Tuesday against Colorado Mesa University. The Mountaineers will host the Mavericks at 7:30 p.m. in Paul Wright Gym.