GUNNISON, Colo. For the first time since the 2021-22 season, the Mountaineers have won back-to-back Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference games. Western Colorado had a 12-point cushion at halftime that led to a 76-65 win.
JUST THE FACTS
Final Score: Western Colorado Def. New Mexico Highlands, 76-65
Records: Western Colorado 7-10 (3-7 RMAC), New Mexico Highlands 6-10 (4-8 RMAC)
Location: Paul Wright Gym; Gunnison, Colo.
HOW IT HAPPENED
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The Mountaineers were down by seven with 14 minutes and 52 seconds on the clock before Amar Rivers got the Mountaineers on the board with a layup. Spencer Wright got his team within three, before Mario Archuleta made a three-pointer to extend the Cowboys lead to six.
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Still down three, Christian Still pulled the Mountaineers within one with a fast break layup. Xavier Harris then tied the game with a free-throw after getting fouled by Kyrie Thomas. Kenard Richardson then hit a jumper in the paint giving the Cowboys a 14-12 lead. Jaelan McCloud then hit a three-pointer to give Western Colorado the lead.
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The game then went back and forth as each team traded shots. The Mountaineers hit their stride and made a nine-point run with three minutes int he second half. Western Colorado went into half time with a 12-point lead after shooting 46% from the field in the first 20 minutes of the game.
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Still dominated in the second half for the Mountaineers as he scored 15 of his 20 points in the final 20 minutes. The red shirt sophomore gave the Mountaineers a 16-point lead with 17:22 on the clock with a made free-throw.
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The Cowboys outscored the Mountaineers in the second half 46-45 but that was not enough to make up for Western Colorado's 12-point lead going into the second half.
COURT NOTES
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Christian Still had a career-high 20 points for the Mountaineers. Still went 6-for-13 from the field and 6-for-8 from the charity stripe. Kade Juelfs (12 points), Jaelan McCloud (12 points) and Tyler Halligan (10 points) all scored in double figures as well for the Mountaineers.
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Juelfs led the team with nine rebounds including eight defensive boards on Saturday night. Still and Halligan both had two steals a piece, while Western Colorado registered five blocks on the night.
UP NEXT
The Mountaineers will hit the road and take on Colorado School of Mines on Friday, January 26, with tip-off set for 7:30 p.m., in Golden, Colo.