CHADRON, Neb. The Western Colorado Mountaineers took care of business at host Chadron State for their seventh Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference win of the season in a gritty 80-76 win over the Eagles.
JUST THE FACTS
Final Score: Western def. Chadron State College 80-76
Records: Western 9-18 overall (7-12 RMAC) Chadron State College 6-21 overall (4-15 RMAC)
Location: Chicoine Center, Chadron, Neb.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Western wasted no time setting the tone, jumping out to a 5-2 run to open the contest. Chadron answered quickly, tightening things up and eventually taking an early first-half lead.
- Aidan McDowell sparked the Mountaineers' offense with a dominant performance, pouring in a team-high 29 points on the night. With 7:21 remaining in the first half, Western found its rhythm and built an 11-point advantage over the Eagles. Chadron refused to fold, battling back to even the score at 47-47 heading into the break.
- Both squads endured a cold stretch to start the second half, but Western regained momentum behind back-to-back baskets from Joanis Koulisianis and a timely three-pointer from Quincy Scott. Chadron continued to push, keeping the game within striking distance down the stretch.
- McDowell sealed the RMAC victory at the free throw line, knocking down clutch attempts late as Western secured the 80-76 win.
HARDWOOD NOTES
- McDowell hit 7-13 from the field, 2 of 5 from beyond the arc and a season high in free throw attempts with 13 as he made 12. McDowell also set a season-high in minutes with 40 and led the team in rebounding with eight.
- Joanis Koulisianis contributed 13 points on 4-of-6, made only three that he attempted and corralled five rebounds.
- Tyler Halligan got to double figures with 10 points, seven rebounds and one assist.
- Western led the rebounding total with 43 to Chadron's 36.The Mountaineers shot 42 percent from the field, 41 percent from beyond the arc and hitting 20-22 from the line making it 90 percent, one of the reasons Western pulled off the victory.
UP NEXT
Western Closes out the 2025-2026 season with its next game, an RMAC contest on Saturday, February 28 where they will travel to South Dakota Mines. Tip-off is scheduled for 3 PM.
