Article Contributed on: 2/13/2006 9:44:46 AM
Skyhawks Escape with 58-49 Triumph
DURANGO, Colo. - Friday night's game between Fort Lewis College and Mesa State featured six ties and six lead changes and took all 40 minutes to determine a winner with the Skyhawks coming out on top, 58-49. Fort Lewis maintains its first place lead in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference West Division with an 11-3 mark and 15-6 overall.
Mesa State led by as many as eight points in the first half but Fort Lewis cut the lead down to four at the break, 29-24. The Skyhawks did not regain the lead until 6:55 in the second half when junior Guy Meyer (Santa Fe, N.M.) hit one of his four three-pointers to give Fort Lewis a 43-42 lead. Meyer nailed another basket from downtown with 2:14 left to give Fort Lewis their final lead of the game 51-49. With one minute left in regulation, the Skyhawks held a two point advantage but closed out the game on a 7-0 run. Five of the Skyhawks last seven points came from the charity stripe.
Junior guard Ryan Johnson (Aurora) tallied 18 points and three steals. Meyer registered 17 points and two blocks. Tim Bieri (Berthoud) netted all ten of his points in the second half, while grabbing seven rebounds and six assists.
The Mavericks Stephen Soriano recorded 16 points and 11 rebounds while Adam Wall came off the bench to net 12 points.
Mesa State out-rebounded Fort Lewis, 37-27, and made 12 free throws (12 of 17) while the Skyhawks netted 5 of 8.
Fort Lewis will face off against Western State Saturday night at 8 p.m. in Whalen Gymnasium. Cager fans can listen to Dave Bray call the action on KIUP 930 AM and www.radiodurango.com.