Lakewood, Colo., The Mountaineers capture their first conference win of the season, defeating Colorado Christian 64-56.

JUST THE FACTS
Final Score:  Western Colorado Def. CCU 64-56.
Records: Western Colorado Overall: 3-4 (RMAC: 1-0) | CCU Overall: 3-4 (RMAC 0-1)
Location: Lakewood, Colo. CCU Event Center

HOW IT HAPPENED

• After falling behind 11–0, the Mountaineers responded with a huge offensive surge powered by their three-point shooting. Aidan McDowell caught fire early, drilling multiple threes and scoring 17 first-half points. Mason Mottashed controlled the pace, adding a three of his own and distributing six first-half assists, helping Western move the ball and create open looks.
• Quincy Scott, Reese Strawn, and Jordan Kuac each knocked down threes during the run, while Tyler Halligan scored inside and on cuts for key momentum baskets. Western shot 50% from deep (8–15) in the first half and forced CCU into rushed shots and turnovers. On the glass, Kuac, Halligan, and Mottashed helped the Mountaineers hold their own, and a late defensive stretch allowed Western to stretch the lead to nine heading into the locker room.
• The second half turned into a defensive grind, with Western relying more on discipline and rebounding than shot-making to close out the win. The Mountaineers cooled off offensively—scoring only 22 second-half points—but their defense held CCU to just 23. Western protected the paint well, recording three blocks and limiting the Cougars to one-shot possessions.
• Halligan and Kuac provided timely buckets out of halftime, and Mottashed splashed another three to keep the lead comfortable. CCU tried to mount a comeback behind Pierce Bazil, but Western's perimeter defense tightened, forcing tough jumpers and securing critical rebounds.
• The biggest moment came late when Kuac drilled a deep three to push the lead back to seven, stopping a CCU run. From there, Western slowed the tempo, took care of the ball, and relied on their half-court defense to seal the game.

COURT NOTES

• McDowell led the Mountaineers with an efficient and aggressive scoring performance, finishing with 20 points, 6 rebounds and two assists.
• Kuac provided a strong all-around game, contributing 12 points and 9 boards.
• Halligan also had 12 and Mottashed put up 10 while Koulisianis had 4.