GUNNISON, Colo. The Western Colorado men's basketball team opened its 2026-27 campaign Saturday afternoon inside Paul Wright Gym, welcoming the Falcons of Texas Permian Basin for its home opener. The Mountaineers delivered a clutch performance in front of the home crowd, holding off the Falcons to secure a thrilling 79-77 victory.
JUST THE FACTS
Final Score: Western Colorado def. Texas Permian Basin, 79-7
Records: Western Colorado 1-0 , Texas Permian Basin 1-1
Location: Paul Wright Gym, Gunnison, Colo.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Mountaineers got off to a sluggish start in the first half but began to find their rhythm midway through the first half, knocking down key three-pointers from
Grant Olsen and
Quincy Scott to keep pace with the Falcons.
UT Permian Basin maintained a narrow lead for much of the first half, holding a three-point advantage through several stretches. However, Western began to build momentum down the stretch. Two clutch free throws from Olsen in the closing seconds cut the deficit to just two points, sending the Mountaineers into the locker room trailing 39-37.
The second half continued much like the first, with both teams finding ways to score and trading baskets throughout the half. Western eventually caught fire, putting together a series of baskets to build a seven-point lead. The Falcons responded, chipping away at the deficit and cutting Western's advantage to just two points with approximately five minutes remaining.
With the game shaping up to be a barnburner, the Mountaineers stayed composed and delivered when it mattered most.
Quincy Scott came through in the closing moments, knocking down a crucial free throw to help seal the 79-77 victory for Western.
Scott led the way for the Mountaineers with a game-high 27 points, adding five rebounds and one assist. He was especially effective at the free-throw line, converting 12 of his 16 attempts.
Jordan Kuac contributed nine points, two rebounds and one block.
Joanis Koulisianis controlled the glass for Western, leading the team with 10 rebounds while adding six points and two blocks.
As a team, Western shot 44% from the field and 36% from beyond the arc. The Mountaineers also made the most of their opportunities at the charity stripe, converting 32 of 44 free-throw attempts to help secure the hard-fought victory.
WHAT THEY SAID
UP NEXT
Western will return to action on Saturday, November 14, welcoming Angelo State to Paul Wright Gym for a noon tip-off.
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