The Rustler Men's basketball team got back to winning ways on Saturday after playing five straight region games on the road. Wednesday's game saw the team travel to Casper College to play the Region 9 leading T-Birds. Following the same script for most of their losses this semester, CWC fell behind by double digits in the first half trailing 27-44 at halftime. "Our first-half woes have buried us during second-semester play.  We might be the worst first-half team and the best second-half team in the region. If we can figure out how to play for 40 minutes we are a dangerous team," Coach Schmit commented on his team's performance. The second half saw the Rustlers get to within single digits multiple times, outscoring the T-Birds 43-41, and ultimately play much better. The first-half margin was too much to overcome though with a final score reading Casper 85 - CWC 70. 

 

After the toughest stretch of games the team has faced all season, the Rustlers were finally back in Riverton on Saturday to play Eastern Wyoming College. A team CWC saw just one week ago in Torrington falling by a wide margin, 89-99. "Our guys were antsy to not only be playing at home again but have a chance at redemption against a very solid team. We knew the game would be a battle and for 40 minutes that is exactly what we got," said Coach Schmit. The game was tight throughout with neither team holding a team larger than 7 points. A couple of huge plays late in the game from hometown player, Jared Lucas, were the difference in the ball game. CWC held on for the win 85-79. 

 

The Rustlers were led on the week by Niieihii Black (Casper-16, Eastern-30), Lorence Dela Cruz (Casper-13, Eastern-26), and Julian Roberts combined 24 points and 12 rebounds over the two games. 

 

CWC will take the court for the last two regular season games of the season this week. Tuesday, February 21 at 7:30 PM (weather pending) they will play Western Wyoming and on Friday, February 24 at 7:30 PM they will face off against Northwest for SOPHOMORE NIGHT.