Rustlers Take Down Undefeated Williston State, Fall to #14 Ranked Western Nebraska

The Rustler Men' Basketball team was in action this past weekend facing off against previously unbeaten Williston State and NJCAA #14 ranked Western Nebraska. Both games saw CWC fall behind big in the first half with two very different results in the second half.

In the first game against Williston State, CWC struggled against the quickness and athleticism of the Tetons. With early turnovers, quick shots, and a free flow style of play, the Rustlers faced a 16 point deficient heading into halftime. The beginning of the second half saw the Tetons pump their lead up to 20 points, before the Rustlers started their comeback.  CWC took their first lead of the game with under 3:00 minutes to play. Timely baskets late by Jacob Smith, David Simental, and Devin Rottweiler, propelled the Rustlers to a 103-101 win.

Multiple players for CWC recorded career highs. David Simental (30 points) and Jacob Smith (26 points) put up season and career highs.  Devin Rottweiler recorded his first double-double as a Rustler, recording 19 points and 12 rebounds. Darius Guinn (19 points) and Jerroda Briscoe (9 points) were the only other players to score for the Rustlers.

The momentum from game one didn't last for long, as the home team Western Nebraska, beat the brakes off the Rustlers.  From the opening tip to the final buzzer the game was never in doubt. With WNCC taking a 24-4 lead 10 minutes into the game, leading at the half 59-20, and ultimately taking the game 99-70. The one bright spot for CWC was winning the second half 50-40.

Jacob Smith and Devin Rottweiler backed up their Friday night performance's with two stellar games. Smith went for 20 points, while Rottweiler put up 13 points and 7 rebounds.

NEXT UP: Central Wyoming College (2-4, 0-0 Region IX) will travel to Rock Springs, WY to face North Idaho on Friday, November 23 at 3:00 PM and Utah Eastern on Saturday, November 24 at 1:00 PM.