DENVER, Colo. One could tell from the jump that Western Colorado was locked in and determined to pick up their first road win of the season, when they took the court against Regis University. That in fact is what happened as it took an extra quarter. However, the horn sounded for the final time the Mountaineers would be victorious defeating the Rangers 77-72 in overtime.
 
JUST THE FACTS
Final Score: Western Colorado def. Regis 77-72.
Records: Western Colorado 4-20, 2-18 RMAC, Regis 11-15, 8-12 RMAC.
Location: Regis Field House; Denver, Colo.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• It was an action packed and exciting game from start to finish in the first half, as there were six ties - the biggest lead in the first half being three-points, which the Mountaineers achieved three times.
• Early on with 14:58 on the clock, Jonathan McCloud pulled up and drained a three-pointer, giving Western a 13-10 lead. A few minutes later (10:45), Regis took their own three-point lead 19-16. But, right away the Mountaineers responded on their next possession with a Grant Wilkinson three-pointer tying the game at 19-points apiece.
• With 6:15 left before halftime, Trevin Lieck helped Western take their second three-point lead of the half, knocking down a three-pointer which gave the Mountaineers a 28-25 lead. The Rangers continued to fight back and took a 30-28 lead, with 3:09 on the clock.
• That lead didn't last long as a Kade Juelfs three-pointer gave Western a 31-28 lead. That was followed up by two made free throws by Kevin Jimenez increasing the Mountaineers lead to three-points.
• With one second left on the clock, Regis was able to make a layup to put the score at 33-32, in favor of Western at halftime.
• The game remained tightly contest for the first 12-minutes and 51-seconds of the second half - very similar to the first half, the biggest lead would be three-points, each time being in favor of the Mountaineers.
• With 7:09 left to play, Avery Rembao knocked down a three-pointer – giving Western a 55-53 lead - which sparked a 10-3 run that lasted three-minutes and 48-seconds.
• Needing to get things going in a hurry if they wanted to force overtime, the Rangers started storming back into the game - closing out the second half on a 12-3 run, that resulted in the game being tied at 68-points apiece.
• In overtime, things started the way the Mountaineers wanted it to, going on an 8-2 to run to increase their lead to 76-70. Juelfs and Wilkinson had big contributions during that run, each knocking down a three-pointer. Rembao started the run, knocking down a fast break layup off a steal.
• Regis tried to get back into the game. However, Western's defense clamped down and walked away with a 77-72 victory.

COURT NOTES

• The Mountaineers had three players finish in double digits in scoring – Rembao leading the way with 23-points, and Juelfs and Wilkinson pitching in with 14-and-13-points. Lieck led the team in rebounds, grabbing 12 boards in the game.
• As a team Western shot, 43.9 percent (25-of-57) from the field, 37.5 percent (9-of-24) from three and 62.1 percent (18-of-29) from the free throw line.
• For Regis, they were led by Brayden Carter and David Simental who scored 25-and-16-points. The Rangers shot, 37.7 percent (26-of-69) from the field, 17.6 percent (3-of-17) from three and 73.9 percent (17-of-23) from the free throw line.
• Additionally, there were 17 ties and 14 lead changes over the course of the game.

UP NEXT
 Western will return to Paul Wright Gym for their final games of the year, taking on Colorado Mesa University (Feb. 23) and Westminster College (Feb. 24).