Written By: Ryan Owens

February 20, 2010. Durango, CO. - Typically, 15-point home victories are something to be celebrated and savored.

But after No. 6 Fort Lewis College's victory over Western State, Skyhawks coach Mark Kellogg wasn't exactly in the savoring mood.

“I thought our attention to detail and our focus, especially in the second half, just wasn't very good," he said.

“It wasn't good enough."

The Skyhawks, despite the negatives, routed visiting Western State 75-60 on Saturday at Whalen Gymnasium.

Although Fort Lewis had a lead between 15 and 20 points throughout the majority of the second half, the Skyhawks were outrebounded 43-37 and allowed the Mountaineers to shoot 43 percent in the second half and 41 percent for the game. “In the second half, there were times where (the defense) looked good, and there were times where our focus wasn't where it needed to be," Kellogg said.

The Skyhawks' defense was streaky all evening, starting out by allowing 11 points in the first 3:36 of the game. However, FLC would buckle down for most of the rest of the first half, closing the period on a 7-0 run to take a comfortable 37-24 halftime lead.

“We really just have to figure out how to play a complete game and play with a lead, because that's something we've struggled with for a while," forward Audrey George said.

While it may not have been the Skyhawks' best statistical game, they still were able to coast to victory in the second half, thanks in part to a bevy of quality scoring chances, and FLC shot 44 percent from the floor.

Allison Rosel led all scorers with 16 points, and Katie Mackey chipped in 11 for Fort Lewis.

But perhaps the Skyhawks' most aggressive player was George. The senior forward had 10 rebounds to go along with 10 points, and she was active on both ends of the floor for most of the evening.

“She was the one kid that rebounded the ball pretty well for us the entire night," Kellogg said. “She's just really active."

George said rebounding has been a focal point for her as the regular season draws to a close.

“That's something I've been working on," she said. “I've been focusing on it more."

With the victory, the Skyhawks locked up at least a share of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference overall championship, and they can claim the outright crown with a victory tonight over Mesa State. Kellogg said he hopes the stakes inspire a more consistent effort for FLC.

“I wasn't happy with some of our seniors, so hopefully we bounce back and play better (today)," he said. 

Box Score

rowens@durangoherald.com