Gunnison, Colo.,   The Western Colorado Men's Basketball team defeated Justice College in their home opener on Friday night.

JUST THE FACTS
Final score:  Western Colorado def. Justice College 72-48
Records: Western Colorado 1-3 | Justice College 1-7
Location: Gunnison, Colo. / Paul Wright Gym

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Mountaineers took a quick 6-0 lead as junior Andrew Reichart put away two layups and sophomore Tyler Halligan went 2-for-2 from the charity stripe.
• The Lions put up 4 but junior Trevin Lieck and Halligan combined for three points to put the Mountaineers up 9-4. Justice College got within one 9-8 then took a one-point lead 10-9.
• A few scoreless minutes passed until JC hit a three 12-9. Senior Kade Juelfs answered back with a three ball of his own off a pass from senior Spencer Wright 12-12. A missed bucket by the Lions advanced Juelfs to the free throw line, knocking down two 14-12. Points traded back and forth until freshman Dawlton Grant finished around the rim to give WCU a 20-16 edge.
• Halligan, Reichart, and Juelfs each put up a bucket or two to put the Mountaineers up four 26-22, with just under five minutes to play. The last basket of the half was made by senior Amar River, to put WCU up six going into the locker room.
• Halligan kicked off the second half hitting back-to-back shots 32-22. The Lions hit a three but junior Ty Buckmon answered back with a fastbreak bucket 34-25. More from Reichart and Halligan elevated the score 38-27. WCU grew their lead 51-32 after a steal and bucket by junior Jamel Hollins.
• Justice College kept battling but the Mountaineers offense was too successful. The game ended with a bucket by senior Daric Conkright, putting the Mountaineers on top 72-48.

 
COURT NOTES

• Halligan and Reichart lead the team, respectfully, with 21 and 16 points. Juelfs followed with 9 then Lieck with 7. Hollins finished with 6 and Wright with 5.
• Hollins brought down double-digit boards with 11. Reichart behind him with 8 then Rivers with 7.
• Juelfs and Wright tied with 3 assists each. Rivers and Buckmon each ended with 2 steals.
• Western shot 46% from the field, 18.8% from three and 55% from the charity stripe.
• The Mountaineer bench contributed 18 points. WCU had 50 points in the paint, 12 second chance points and 8 fast break buckets.

 
UP NEXT
The Mountaineers head to Las Vegas, N.M. to take on New Mexico Highlands University on Friday November 29 at 1pm.

For more information visit gomountaineers.com.