GUNNISON, Colo. – The University of Colorado Colorado Springs men's basketball handled their business from start to finish as they grab the win in their first game of 2025, downing Western Colorado University 77-66 in Gunnison.
INSIDE THE MATCH-UP
Final: UCCS 77, WCU 66
Records: UCCS (8-4, 2-2 RMAC), WCU (4-7, 2-2 RMAC)
Facility: Paul Wright Gym | Gunnison, Colo.
All-Time Series: UCCS extends their advantage to 30-19 in 49 meetings with Western Colorado.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- UCCS jumped out to an early lead as they dropped six of nine shots in the opening ten minutes of play, including two of four from three-point land to hold the 19-12 after the first ten. Six Mountain Lions scored during the run, with Hannes Saar leading that group with five points.
- The Mountain Lions continued to build on their lead led by the duo of William Becker and Gavin Carter who each knocked down six points down the stretch to half time, as UCCS added eight more baskets including one triple from Jezza Mckenzie to give the visitors the 39-29 lead at the break in Gunnison.
- The Mountain Lions and Mountaineers traded baskets to begin the second half of play, with both teams hitting five baskets, and four free throws with Western Colorado gaining the narrow advantage in scoring to start the half at 16-15 during the stretch, but UCCS remained with a comfortable lead in the game at 54-45.
- The Mountain Lions were able to truly put the Mountaineers away in the final ten minutes of action, leading by as much as 19 points (75-56, 2:15 2nd). Though the Mountaineers went on a small run as time ticked out, the effort was too little too late, as UCCS gets the win in their first game of 2025 beating Western Colorado 77-66.
STATS FROM THE GAME
- William Becker led all scorers with 17 points, paired with ten rebounds for his sixth double-double of the season and fourth in as many games.
- Santiago Ochoa matches the team's season best in steals, as he swiped four in this afternoon's contest.
- The Mountain Lions were very solid on the defensive glass, out rebounding the Mountaineers 25-20 off the defensive board.
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE
- William Becker's six double-doubles this year is the most in a single season of his career, besting his four from the 2022-23 season.
- UCCS has defeated Western Colorado in nine of their last ten meetings, and 16 of their last 18 meetings.
SOCIAL
Twitter - @GoMountainLions
Instagram - @gomountainlions
Facebook – Go Mountain Lions
As a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, the University of Colorado Colorado Springs competes in 14 varsity sports in NCAA Division II intercollegiate athletics.
