Gunnison, Colo.,   The Western Colorado Men's Basketball team comes close versus the Skyhawks at home by a score of 75-73 on Thursday evening.

JUST THE FACTS
Final Score:  Fort Lewis College Def. Western Colorado University 75-73
Records: Western Colorado overall 4-8 (RMAC 2-3) | FLC overall 9-5 (RMAC 3-2).
Location: Paul Wright Gym, Gunnison, Colo.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Skyhawks won the jump and immediately drew a foul, sending them to the charity stripe and taking a 2-0 edge. After a WCU turnover, FLC went up 4-0. Junior Andrew Reichart hit back-to-back reverse layups to tie the game 4-4.
• The Mountaineers earned their first lead as senior Kade Juelfs knocked down a three 7-4. The Skyhawks answered and took the lead 9-7. Another three by Juelfs put WCU on top 10-9.
• FLC hit a three and a shot in the paint compared to junior Christian Still's layup, Skyhawks on top 15-12.
• After a scoreless minute, Juelfs hit a free throw followed by Still who finished another layup 15-15. A missed three by FLC resulted in a rebound for sophomore Tyler Halligan who pushed the ball to Still who found senior Spencer Wright for a three 18-15.
• Under eight minutes to play, the score was tied at 23 a-piece. The Skyhawks earned a trip to the charity stipe, adding one to their score 24-23. Senior Nalik Veasley earned his second assist, feeding Juelfs for a layup 25-24. The next possession senior Trey Anderson secured a bucket, followed by a three ball from Still 30-24.
• The Skyhawks were unable to put the ball in the back of the net. Veasley recorded a defensive rebound pushed it to Anderson who gave the Mountaineers a nine-point advantage 33-24. Halligan and Still advanced WCU to a 37-24 edge. FLC put away a few more before halftime but the Mountaineers went into the locker room up 38-29.
• Senior Amar Rivers kicked off the second half finishing around the rim 40-29. The Mountaineers continued to add to their lead advancing 48-35 after Still put away five consecutive points.
• After pressing, FLC cut the Mountaineers lead, getting with five-points 48-43. Juelfs completed a three-point play 51-43 followed by Still who knocked down another shot from behind the arch 54-43. Moments later, FLC responded 54-49.
• The Mountaineers inbound the ball quickly, Halligan pushed the ball finding Reichart for a reverse layup 56-49. A turnover by Skyhawks resulted in a score for junior Jamel Hollins, putting WCU up 58-49.
• With under four to play FLC got within two, 62-60 but a bucket by Still off an offensive rebound put the Mountaineers up four 64-60. The Skyhawks knocked down a huge three to get within one 64-63.
• The Skyhawks grasped the lead after making three free throws and hitting another three 69-64. Still responded getting the Mountaineers within two 69-67. A technical foul sent the Skyhawks to the line 71-67.
• Under a minute, Still, with his fourth three of the night, made it a one-point game 71-70. FLC put away a layup 73-70 with 30 seconds left. With seconds to play, Juelfs was fouled behind the arch, sending him to the line going three-for-three, tying the game 73-73. At the last second FLC hit a shot in the paint winning 75-73.

 
COURT NOTES

• Still posted a career high and lead the offense with 25 points, going 9-11 from the field, 4-5 from behind the arch and 3-4 from the charity stripe while grabbing four boards. Juelfs followed with 16 points, going 4-8 from the field, 2-4 from three and 6-8 from the line.
• Hollins secured 14 total rebounds, 6 offensive and 8 defensive, along with 2 assists and 3 points. Veasley trailed with 8 rebounds and 4 assists.
• The Mountaineers shot 47.3% from the field, 42.1% from three and 61.9% from the free throw line. WCU has 34 points in the paint and 34 bench points.
   

 
UP NEXT
The Mountaineers are back in action as they host RMAC opponent New Mexico Highlands on Saturday January 11 at 3 pm.
 
For more information visit gomountaineers.com.