The Fort Lewis College men’s basketball team delivered a commanding performance on Thursday night, defeating Western Colorado 89-63 at their home court. With a strong start that saw them jump to a 15-2 lead, the Skyhawks showcased their skill and determination in their first game after a three-week hiatus. Despite the recent loss of starting point guard Yorgio Golesis to an ACL injury, the Skyhawks displayed offensive prowess and defensive tenacity throughout the match.
The Skyhawks maintained a double-digit lead for most of the first half, ultimately concluding the opening period with a 46-33 advantage. They achieved this through effective ball movement, reflected in their nearly 2-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio, and a strong defensive effort that forced 21 turnovers from the Mountaineers.
FLC’s head coach Jordan Mast emphasized the importance of teamwork in their success. “We have some really talented individuals, but we’re always better as a collective group,” he remarked. The Skyhawks’ focus on creating defensive opportunities translated into scoring chances, underscoring their strategy to disrupt Western Colorado’s rhythm.
Key Players Shine for the Skyhawks
In the absence of Golesis, redshirt sophomore guards Stewart Erhart and Jaxon Smith stepped up, each contributing 17 points to the team’s total. Erhart demonstrated his all-around game with eight steals and six assists, while Smith showcased his scoring ability from multiple areas on the court. The duo’s performance was crucial in establishing and maintaining the Skyhawks’ lead.
Western Colorado struggled offensively, managing only 34% shooting from the field compared to FLC’s impressive 49%. The Mountaineers’ standout player, Aidan McDowell, who entered the game averaging 27.9 points per game, finished with 21 points but found it challenging to find support from his teammates. FLC’s defense effectively neutralized the Mountaineers’ offensive options, forcing them into difficult shots and limiting their scoring opportunities.
Game Highlights and Upcoming Challenges
The Skyhawks’ aggressive start included early highlights, such as an impressive three-point play by Smith and a mid-range shot from Erhart that contributed to their initial lead. FLC continued to capitalize on turnovers, creating fast-break opportunities that energized the crowd. Freshman guard Trey Curry made his debut, demonstrating his ability to penetrate the defense and create scoring chances.
As the game progressed, FLC’s lead grew, with key contributions from senior forward Massal Diouf and others. A standout moment came when Curry delivered a lob to Carmichael, who finished with a spectacular reverse slam, further solidifying the Skyhawks’ dominance with a 77-55 lead late in the game.
The victory improved Fort Lewis College’s record to 7-5 overall and 5-0 in the RMAC, marking their sixth win in the past seven games. The team will look to continue this winning momentum when they host Westminster on Saturday at 15:00.
As the Skyhawks prepare for their next challenge, the focus will remain on maintaining their strong defensive efforts and collaborative play that has proven successful thus far.
