Written By: Durango Herald Sport Staff
February 7th, 2010. Gunnison, CO. - The Fort Lewis College women's basketball team faced a little adversity Saturday night, but the Skyhawks were able to pull out a 77-70 victory over the Western State Mountaineers in Gunnison.
“We always say (Western State) plays at a different level when they play us," Fort Lewis head coach Mark Kellogg said. “It's good for us to have the challenge."
The game was close for much of the first half as the Skyhawks were plagued by sloppy passing, leading to eight turnovers.
But then Abby Jackson hit three 3-pointers to help lead Fort Lewis into halftime with a solid 42-33 lead.
The Skyhawks extended their lead in the second half and led by as many as 15. The Mountaineers didn't quit, however.
Led by Amber Murray's game-high 30 points, Western State was able to cut the big lead to one point.
Down the stretch, however, Katie Mackey's clutch free-throw shooting proved too much for Western State's comeback bid.
“Katie (Mackey) hit some huge free throws for us," Kellogg said. “We did a good job getting the ball to her. She's the one we want taking those shots."
Mackey, the No. 3-ranked free throw shooter in the nation, led the Skyhawks with 20 points and was 7 for 7 from the foul line.
Alison Rosel added 18 points along with four rebounds.
Jackson scored 12 points on the night, all via shots from behind the arc. Audrey George had seven points and six rebounds in the victory.
“It was good for us to have a challenge down the stretch," Kellogg said. “I'm pleased with how we responded. They came at us, and we responded right back."
The No. 6-ranked Skyhawks improved their record to 12-1 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play and 22-2 overall. Western State dropped to 6-7 in the RMAC and 8-13 overall with the loss.
Next up for Fort Lewis is a road trip to Las Vegas, N.M., to take on New Mexico Highlands at 6 p.m. Friday.
Then, the Skyhawks travel to CSU-Pueblo for another 6 p.m. tipoff Saturday.
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