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Fort Lewis College Athletics

Scoreboard

Brenden Boatwright 2.26
Benjamin Brashear, FLC Marketing
FLC redshirt junior Brenden Boatwright scored 15 points and added three blocks in Friday's win over Westminster (File Photo).
75
Winner Fort Lewis FLC 7-7,6-7 RMAC
56
Westminster (UT) WC-UT 8-10,8-10 RMAC
Winner
Fort Lewis FLC
7-7,6-7 RMAC
75
Final
56
Westminster (UT) WC-UT
8-10,8-10 RMAC
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Fort Lewis FLC 42 33 75
Westminster (UT) WC-UT 27 29 56

Game Recap: Men's Basketball | | David Wilson, Assistant AD-Communications

Skyhawks earn first win in Salt Lake since 2016, keep playoff hopes alive with 75-56 rout of Westminster

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Needing at least one road win, if not two, heading into the final weekend of the 2020-21 regular season to make the RMAC Tournament, the Fort Lewis College men's basketball team responded to its first challenge with a 75-56 rout of Westminster College on Friday.

The victory was the first for the Skyhawks (7-7 overall, 6-7 RMAC) in Salt Lake City since 2016, and gives FLC a much-needed quality road win as it fights to be one of the eight teams that make the RMAC Tournament, scheduled to get underway Tuesday, March 2.

FLC entered the night 10th in the RMAC standings, ninth in the league's RPI seeding being used this year due to Covid-19 shortened schedules, and chasing a Westminster team (8-10 overall, 8-10 RMAC) that the Skyhawks now own two victories against this winter.

"These are all playoff games for us and that's the pact we made after the loss to Adams State. We knew we had to play playoff basketball and last two times out we have," said Fort Lewis head men's basketball coach, Bob Pietrack. "We know this win gives us a chance to play our way in tomorrow night against the No. 5 team in the country in Colorado Mesa."

The Skyhawks were ready from the opening tip, storming out to a 20-9 lead by the midway point of the first half. FLC grew it's lead to as many as 20 points in the opening 20 minutes at 35-15 with 4:43 remaining in the half.

At that point, the Skyhawks were shooting a blistering 75% (15-of-20) from the floor. They'd finish the game at 58.3% (28-of-48); the second most efficient shooting performance for the FLC offense this season.

The forward duo of Riley Farris and Brenden Boatwright continued to give opponents fits as the two combined for 35 points and only three missed shots the entire evening, bullying defenders with high-low action and their physicality.

Farris scored a team-high 20 points and grabbed nine rebounds, while Boatwright tallied 15 points and a team-high three blocked shots, defensively.

"They're sharing the ball and having a lot of fun competing in there together," Pietrack said of his Farris-Boatwright starting combo. "Farris and Boatwright, although they hadn't played together at the same time a ton, they've grown up together in this program. We're talking about guys who have worked really hard, been here a long time and they are a big load to handle."

On the perimeter, sophomore guard Akuel Kot splashed home a career-high four 3-pointers for all 12 of his points, showing off an improved shooting stroke to compliment his elusive drive-and-finish scoring ability.

"It's huge when our guards are dynamic and capable of that. Akuel is very capable of being dynamic, it's just a mindset for him," Pietrack said. "He had the shot going and really guarded fantastic tonight, as well."

Junior forward Tyler Kinghorn added eight points on 3-of-4 shooting and senior Corey Seng contributed six points, three rebounds and three assists to help pace the Skyhawks offense.

Defensively, Fort Lewis held Westminster College to 34.5% shooting (20-of-58) and dominated the glass, out-rebounding the Griffins, 36-22.

"We dominated the rebounding and that's the way it has to be when you're playing double-big," Pietrack said. "We were very, very focused and locked in. We know what this road trip is for our program and our season. Everyone is bought in trying to finish this trip the right way."

The Skyhawks have a Saturday date with No. 5 Colorado Mesa University to close out the 2020-21 season, with a win guaranteeing FLC a berth in next week's RMAC Tournament.

Fort Lewis forced the nationally ranked Mavericks to overtime in the first matchup between the two teams in Durango, but fell by a 74-72 final. Saturday's rematch is scheduled for 6 p.m. in Grand Junction.

"We haven't focused on anything other than what we can control," said Pietrack when asked about the potential Friday's win was enough to get FLC into the RMAC Tournament. "We know if we get both games, then we get a Tuesday (playoff game). Our whole goal since late last week has been to get this season back to 0-0 and give ourselves a chance.""
 
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