GUNNISON, Colo. – Western Colorado University Men's Basketball fought back from a 12-point deficit, but were unable to complete the comeback against Black Hills State University on Friday night in Paul Wright Gym. The Mountaineers fell to the Yellow Jackets 69-77.
 
Western (3-9, 0-6 RMAC) and BHSU (7-3, 6-0 RMAC) exchanged points early but it was the Mountaineers ahead by five points after the first 12:21, 20-15, following a Joran Ticeson layup.
 
The Mountaineers would have to wait until the 18:28 mark of the second half before making their next field goal, falling behind by 12 points before the jumper by Quincy Harding cut the BHSU lead to 10.
 
Harding's field goal was the start of a 12-0 run by Western to even the game at 35 points with 14:54 left to play.
 
Harding led the Mountaineers in scoring with 15 points. The senior guard has scored double figures in 10-of-11 games played this season.
 
The Mountaineers were unable to regain control of the game and fell by eight points.
 
Coming off the bench, Cole Sienknecht scored 12 points, making 5-of-8 field goal attempts in 18 minutes played. The 6-foot-1-inch guard also led all players with two blocks.
 
Western will be back on the court Saturday, hosting South Dakota School of Mines & Technology at 7 p.m. in Paul Wright Gym.