Box Score

PUEBLO, Colo. — The Fort Lewis men's basketball team (21-7) built a 15-point lead only to survive a late scare by Metro State (21-7) to win 56-54 in the semifinals of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Shootout tonight at the Colorado State Fairgrounds Events Center.

"We were much better collectively than we were individually," said 15th-year Skyhawk head coach Bob Hofman. "Our collective toughness was superb."

Led by the hot hand of Daniel Steffensen (5-of-6 from the field in the first half, 12 points), the Skyhawks jumped to a 34-22 halftime lead and stretched the advantage to 15 early in the second stanza.

Then Metro State kept whittling the lead away, thanks to timely shooting on the offensive end and strong post defense at the other. The Roadrunners had seven blocks, six of which came in the second half.

Down the stretch, the Skyhawks managed to make just enough free throws to hold off the Roadrunners. A desperation three-point shot from just inside half court by Reggie Evans bounced safely off the backboard as time expired. The Skyhawks had a chance to ice the game, but David Kanyinda missed the front end of a one-and-one with four ticks left on the clock. Evans rebounded the ball and dribbled just past midcourt, where he launched his errant bomb.

"I think we ran out of gas a little bit at the end," said Hofman. "Luckily, we held on."

Steffensen wound up leading all scorers with 16 points, including 3-of-8 from three-point range. DeAndre Lansdowne added 12 points for FLC, hitting a pair of big second half treys. Kyle Behrens ripped down 10 rebounds, including four on the offensive glass.

Quaran Johnson was the lone Roadrunner to score in double figures, with 11 points. Glenn Miller, Jonathan Morse and Brandon Jefferson each had 8.

Metro State outscored FLC 32-22 in the second half.

The Skyhawks play Colorado Mines at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow night at the Colorado State Fairgrounds Events Center. The Orediggers defeated Adams State (20-8) 69-62 earlier today.