Gunnison, Colo., The Western Colorado Men's Basketball team dropped first home contest of 2025 to the University of Colorado Colorado Springs by a score of 77-66.
JUST THE FACTS
Final Score: UCCS Def. Western Colorado 77-66
Records: Western Colorado overall 4-7 (RMAC 2-2) | UCCS overall 8-4 (RMAC 2-2).
Location: Paul Wright Gym, Gunnison, Colo.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Western Colorado's senior guard Kade Juelfs earned the first basket of the game 2-0. At the opposite end, UCCS countered with a three-pointer 3-2. The Mountain Lions then recorded a steal then were fouled, knocking down a shot 4-2. Junior Andrew Reichart tied the game 4-4, moments later.
- UCCS was sent to the charity stripe taking the lead 6-4. Another tie at 6-6 as senior Amar Rivers capitalized off a Mountain Lions turnover. Within the following minute and a half, UCCS went on a seven-point run, extending their lead, 13-6. Senior Nalik Veasley stopped their run as he was sent to the free throw line, knocking down a shot 13-7.
- Two scoreless minutes passed until the respective teams traded buckets 15-9. Senior Trey Anderson made it a three-point game as he knocked down a shot from behind the arch, 15-12, assisted by junior Ty Buckmon.
- With under ten minutes to play the Mountain Lions led 25-16. With four minutes left, Juelfs hit a three assisted by senior Spencer Wright 25-19. UCCS put up three-points 28-19 but a layup by Wright made it a seven-point game 28-21. The two teams traded points for the remainder of the half. Juelfs executed a four-point play and sophomore Tyler Halligan knocked down two free throws to end the half down by ten 39-29.
- Junior Jamel Hollins opened the second half finishing around the rim 39-31. UCCS answered with a back-to-back layup 43-31. The Mountaineers got within nine after Rivers went 100 percent from the charity stripe and Juelfs knocked down another three 45-36. UCCS responded 47-36.
- Anderson, with a layup then three got the Mountaineers with six 47-41. Buckets went back and forth between the two teams. With under five minutes left in the game, Anderson hit another shot from behind the arch 62-52. UCCS answered earning a 69-52 advantage.
- Anderson and Reichart combined for seven points, but the Mountain Lions were able to match. With under two minutes left UCCS had a 75-59 edge. Junior Camden Kilbride finished a bucket in the paint, assisted by junior Christian Still 75-61. Freshman Luke Wagstaff knocked down a three and Still went two-for-two from the line to end the game but UCCS won 77-66.
COURT NOTES
- Anderson led the Mountaineer offense with 16 points going 5-9 from the field and 4-8 from behind the arch. Juelfs followed with 12 points and 2 assists. Rivers earned 8 and paced the offense with 4 assists.
- Reichart finished leading in rebounds with 7 followed by Hollins who earned 5. Rivers recorded 4. Veasley pulled down 3 boards along with 2 steals.
- The Mountaineers shot 36.2% from the field, 33.3% from behind the arch and 88.9% from the charity stripe. WCU beat UCCS on the battle of the boards 32-31.
- WCU ended with 34 bench points, 15 fast break points, 11 points off turnovers, 22 points in the paint and 6 second chance points.
THEY SAID IT
UP NEXT
The Mountaineers are back in action as they host RMAC opponent Fort Lewis College on Thursday January 9 at 7:30pm.
For more information visit
gomountaineers.com.