COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. Western Colorado was forced to play with only seven players again tonight. But, managed to keep the game close throughout the entire game. In the end, the Mountaineers fell 51-60 to University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS).
 
JUST THE FACTS
Final Score: UCCS def., Western Colorado 60-51
Records: Western Colorado 6-18, 5-14 RMAC, UCCS 10-16, 9-11 RMAC.
Location: Gallogly Events Center; Colorado Springs, Colo.  
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• Things were pretty even early on as both teams were exchanging baskets, resulting in the score being all tied up at seven-points apiece with 4:44 left to play in the first quarter - after Mia Lozoya knocked down a three-pointer, assisted by Alyza Aikins. UCCS offense got going after that, closing the first quarter out on a 7-0 run.
• Down 7-14 to start the second quarter, the Mountaineers put together a 9-2 run which was led by Emmery Wagstaff who pitched in with five of the nine-points. While the score was tied up at 16-points after Western's run, the Mountain Lions responded with a 9-2 run of their own leading to them having a 25-18 lead.
• Lozoya stopped UCCS run, by draining a three-pointer with 2:05 left and then Brooklyn Seymour was fouled with 1:05 left sending her to the free throw line. Seymour hit one of the two free throws, putting the Mountaineers down 22-25 at halftime. In the second quarter, Western outscored the Mountain Lions 15-11.
• In the second half, the score would be tied for the fourth and final time of the game, on a Lozoya three-pointer that resulted in the score being 27-points apiece with 8:06 remaining. A few minutes later, UCCS retook the lead going on a 10-2 run. Wagstaff ended that run, knocking down a three-pointer as the Mountaineers trailed 31-37.
• Western continued to fight and managed to within four-points of the lead on a successful Wagstaff and-one conversion. But, the Mountain Lions were able to knock down a long three-point buzzer beater to increase their lead to 45-38 heading into the fourth quarter.
• Early on in the fourth quarter, UCCS was able to increase their to lead thirteen-points on two back-to-back three-pointers. However, the Mountaineers continue to fight back and put together a 6-0 run that cut the Mountain Lions lead to 51-44.
• On UCCS next possession they increased their lead back to double digits on a three-pointer. But, once Western came roaring back. A Wagstaff free throw and a Kylie Krise layup sparked a quick 5-0 run, Aikins scoring with fifth-point of the run on a layup, cutting the lead to 49-54 with 1:50 left.
• Five-points was the closest the Mountaineers got to the lead for the remainder of the game.

COURT NOTES

• Wagstaff had a team high 16-points and two steals. Lozoya was the next highest scorer recording a career high 14-points and was followed by Seymour who pitched in with 10-points.
• Krise led the team in rebounds, grabbing a career high seven boards.
• As a team, the Mountaineers shot 40.7 percent (19-of-47) from the field, 37.5 percent (6-of-16) from three and 46.7 percent (7-of-15) from the free throw line.
• UCCS was led by Maison White who had 18-points and Breelyn Robinson who had 15-points.
• As a team, the Mountain Lions shot 43.8 percent (21-of-48) from the field, 36 percent (9-of-25) from three and 64.3 percent (9-of-14) from the free throw line.

UP NEXT
Western will be back on the road tomorrow (Feb. 18) taking on Regis University at 3 p.m.