Gunnison, Colo., The Mountaineers drop home opener to Cameron on Thursday night by a score of 90-83.

JUST THE FACTS
Final Score:  Cameron def. Western Colorado University 90-83
Records: Western Colorado overall 0-2 | Cameron overall 1-2
Location: Paul Wright Gym

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Western Colorado opened the night by striking first when Jordan Kuac knocked down the opening jumper, but Cameron responded with a layup, but Halligan pushed back with another finish before Dallas connected from long range on the other end. Western countered immediately as Joanis Koulisianis threw down a dunk, and after Cameron added free throws, Tyler Halligan buried a mid-range jumper to keep the momentum even 11-10, in favor of CU.
• Kuac added a free throw moments later, 11-11, though Cameron responded with a jumper and a three to build their largest first-half stretch 16-11. Halligan delivered a tough layup to chip the lead back down before Cameron collected a free throw 34-28.
• Grant then sank two free throws to get the score close 34-30. Cameron answered with multiple threes to regain control. Halligan sliced in for another layup, but Cameron responded with one more finish at the rim 40-35. Christian Still and McDowell hit back-to-back threes to give WCU the lead going into half time 41-40. 
• In the second half, Cameron struck first, going up 45-41. McDowell answered immediately with a three and a layup,but CU tookk a 51-46 edge.
• When the Aggies hit another three, Western countered by attacking the interior with Halligan scoring through contact, Kuac knocking down free throws, and Mason Mottoshed dropping in a three to stay to keep the game close. Cameron then pieced together its biggest run, but Western responded with a Halligan layup, a deep McDowell three, and more pressure inside from Kuac to stay within a single possession entering the final minutes.
• Even as Cameron closed the game with late free throws, Western kept up the effort but fell short 90-83.

COURT NOTES
McDowell led the Mountaineers with 31 points, adding two rebounds, one assist, and 6 steals to cap a productive performance. Halligan followed with 21 points, 7 rebounds, and two steals, providing both scoring and interior defense. Kuac delivered 12 points, 10 rebounds, and an assist, giving Western steady offensive creation.