Gunnison, Colo.,   The Western Colorado Men's Basketball team hosted RMAC opponent Colorado State University Pueblo.

JUST THE FACTS
Final Score:  Colorado State University Pueblo Def. Western Colorado 68-56
Records: Western Colorado overall 2-5 (RMAC 1-1) | Colorado State University Pueblo overall 7-1 (RMAC 2-0).
Location: Gunnison, Colo. Paul Wright Gym
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• Neither team scored in the first two minutes of the contest. Junior Jamel Hollins found junior Andrew Reichart who finished around the rim 2-0. In the sixteenth minute CSUP found their first bucket, tying the game 2-2. Senior Kade Juelfs finished in the paint while Hollins picked up another assist 4-2.
• Senior Amar Rivers extended the Mountaineer's lead 7-2 after knocking down a shot from behind the arch. The respective teams played aggressive on the defensive end, not allowing for one another to score.
• Sophomore Tyler Halligan scored his first bucket of the contest after securing an offensive rebound to help WCU take an 9-2 edge; forcing the Thunderwolves to call a timeout. CSUP scored back-to-back buckets and a couple of free throws, making it a one-point game 9-8.
• With under ten to play, Rivers was sent to the charity stripe, knocking down both shots 11-8. A layup on the other end, by the Thunderwolves, put them within one 11-10. Rivers grabbed an offensive board then found senior Trey Anderson who fed senior Spencer Wright for a three 14-10.
• Points were traded, under two minutes CSUP took the lead 20-19 and went into the locker room with a five-point advantage 24-19.
• Hollins found Rivers to kick off the second half 24-22. Shortly into the half, the Thunderwolves took an eleven-point lead 37-26. Halligan cut their lead after finishing around the rim 37-30. Leick and Juelfs added to WCU's score but with under ten to play, the Thunderwolves had a thirteen-point advantage 53-40.
• Wright with a reverse layup and Juelfs with two threes put WCU down eight 56-48 with under five to play. The time continued to evaporate, points were trade and the Mountaineers played hard, but the Thunderwolves came out on top 68-56.

 
COURT NOTES

• Juelfs led the Mountaineer offense with 14 points, going 5-10 from the field and 4-7 from behind the arch. Halligan followed with 13, Rivers had 8 and Leick contributed 6. Hollins finished with 5 assists and a steal. Rivers earned 3 steals and 2 assists.
• Hollins and Rivers each grabbed 7 boards, followed by Leick who had 6 then Anderson with 5.
• WCU shot 32.8% from the field, 29.2% from behind the arch and 72.7% from the charity stripe.
• The Mountaineers earned 16 bench points, 13 points off turnovers, 24 points in the paint and 12 second chance points.

 
UP NEXT

• The Mountaineers travel to Denver Colorado to take on RMAC opponent Metropolitan State University Denver on Thursday December 12 at 8pm.

For more information visit gomountaineers.com.