PUEBLO, Colo. – Passing and defense were the keys for Western Colorado University Women's Basketball on Friday night against Colorado State University – Pueblo. The Mountaineers defeated the Thunderwolves 71-62 for their sixth win in seven games.
 
Western (9-3, 5-3 RMAC) continued its defensive dominance, forcing CSU-Pueblo (8-6, 6-2 RMAC) to commit 21 turnovers. The Mountaineers converted those turnovers into 19 points.
 
Ball movement by Western probed the Thunderwolves defense until the open shooter was found. The Mountaineers assisted on 19 of Western's 25 made field goals.
 
Western closed the first quarter on a 15-5 run to take a 24-14 lead into the second quarter. The Mountaineers extended the lead to 17 points, 43-26 by the end of the first half.
 
In the third quarter, Western reached a 21-point lead before CSU-Pueblo started their comeback. The Thunderwolves managed to cut the lead to eight points but were unable to get any closer.
 
Tammarrah Gothard led the Mountaineers in scoring with 16 points on 7-of-10 shooting from the field (70 percent). Gothard also led the team with six assists, while recording six rebounds.
 
As a team, Western shot 49 percent from the field, making 25-of-51 shots.
 
Samantha Coleman added 15 points, making it five straight games the sophomore has scored in double figures.
 
With nine wins already in the 2018-19 season, the Mountaineers matched last year's win total.
 
Western will be going for win 10 Saturday at New Mexico Highlands University. Tipoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. in Las Vegas, New Mexico.