Fort Lewis closed the game on a 25-10 run over the final nine minutes

Jude Brideba, left, and Tru Allen of Fort Lewis College play defense against Western New Mexico University on Friday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Looking at the box score of the Fort Lewis men’s basketball game against Western New Mexico on Friday, one would think Western New Mexico would have won just by looking at the shooting distributions.

The Mustangs shot 44% from the field and 43% from the 3-point line while the Skyhawks shot 34% from the field and 21% from the 3-point line.

However, FLC forced 24 turnovers and had nearly twice as many free throw attempts as the Mustangs. Down in the second half, FLC finally got its offense going thanks to senior forward Chuol Deng’s seven points in about a minute. The Skyhawks used a 25-10 run to pull away from the Mustangs and win 71-62.

“We hang our hat on the defensive end,” FLC head coach Jordan Mast said. “When you’re not playing very well offensively, that’s what’s going to keep you in games. We’ve kind of done it three straight games so we’ve got to get better offensively. But I’m proud of our effort, our 25 offensive rebounding rebounds. These guys are really tough in that area. We have to slow down on offense and make the easier plays. You’re going to see a team that not only plays at an elite level but can compete with who whatever.”

FLC improved to 2-3 overall with the win after also shooting 68% from the free throw line. Western New Mexico fell to 0-3 overall after shooting 46% from the free throw line. The Skyhawks outrebounded the Mustangs 45-41.

Junior forward Keither Florence led the Skyhawks with an ultra-efficient day, finishing with 18 points on 7-8 shooting from the field, 1-1 from 3-point range and 3-3 from the free throw line in 23 minutes. Fifth-year guard Tru Allen had 14 points on 3-13 shooting from the field, 0-1 from 3-point range, 8-13 from the free throw line and eight rebounds.

Fort Lewis College’s Keither Florence goes up to block a Western New Mexico University shot Friday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

“I just trust my team,” Florence said. “I’m just taking the right moments, taking the right shots, just being patient, looking for everybody.”

Western New Mexico’s Carson Kelly led the Mustangs with 14 points.

FLC got to the line early and led 9-3 on a Florence free kick with 13:19 left in the first half. Then the Skyhawks went cold as freezing burnt flesh in the middle of the half. Western New Mexico went on a 12-2 run after a Kelly 3-pointer to take a 15-11 lead with 9:22 left.

The Skyhawks made a few stops together including some shot clocks to stay in the game. But a step-back 3-pointer and a dunk gave the Mustangs a 26-19 lead with 1:57 left in the first half.

Offensive production came back late in the half for FLC but the Skyhawks couldn’t get a stop. A baseline jumper at the buzzer by Kelly gave Western New Mexico a 32-26 halftime lead.

FLC were aggressive and drew some fouls early in the second half. A Florence 3-pointer and an Allen drive cut the Mustangs’ lead to 34-33 with 17:13 left. The Skyhawks sped up Western New Mexico with their pressure, causing some rushed shots and turnovers.

The defensive pressure continued for FLC and Mast constantly yelled at his team to increase the tempo of the offense. Allen again struggled to shoot. Senior guard Biko Johnson took over the scoring for a stretch midway through the second half and was more efficient. The defense had to play against him for his scoring ability. He hit a 3-pointer and found freshman forward Jude Brideba on a lob for a 44-42 lead with 12:37 left.

Fort Lewis College’s Biko Johnson drives the ball while playing Western New Mexico University shots Friday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

The Skyhawks shot themselves in the foot several times on offense in the second half. They missed easy shots around the rim and threw bad step-up passes that led to turnovers.

Western New Mexico took advantage of that and FLC’s pressure to convert in transition and take a 52-46 lead with nine minutes left.

The scrappy Skyhawks continued to battle and caused some turnovers in the backcourt to stay in the game. After being held scoreless for the first 33 minutes of the game, Deng scored his first points with a timely three-pointer. Redshirt freshman guard Stewart Erhart then found Deng on the baseline after a nice set for a layup and a 54-52 lead with 6:30 left.

“You’re starting to see our guys really on the defensive end and have some continuity,” Mast said. “They’re flying around. We created 20-something turnovers. When you turn our teams over that much, you give yourself 20-something more shots from that. Just by percentages, we’re going to put ourselves in a better position.”

FLC continued to play well defensively and came out in transition to help their struggling offense. Junior guard Malachi Coleman had a big steal on the press and found junior forward Cassius Carmichael for a slam. The Skyhawks led 62-54 with 4:20 left.

The Skyhawks chewed up the clock late thanks to several offensive rebounds on the late shot clock.

FLC returns to Whalen Gymnasium tomorrow night to face Northern New Mexico at 7:00 p.m

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