The Rustlers break a 5-game losing streak versus the Pronghorns going back to the 2018 season with a 84-68 victory at home this Saturday. 

 

The Rustlers came out firing with an impressive 27-6 lead going into the 2nd quarter. Gillette bounced back in the second outscoring the orange and black 21-14 to bring the tally to 41-27 at intermission with the Rustlers still in a comfortable position. 

 

The Rustlers would have a few scary moments in the second half where the Pronghorns would get within single-digits but the Rustlers would answer with key shots or steals to keep them at bay, pulling away for a final score of 84-68. 

 

"We played team defense, we executed on offense, we shared the ball, all things we talk about daily that we need to do to be successful." Said Coach West. "I challenged the team this week, more mentally than anything following our embarrassing loss to Northwest College on Tuesday. If we cannot beat Gillette at home to prevent us from dropping into the last place spot, do we deserve to be in the post-season? They showed me and each other that we deserve it, but it cannot be a single act. They have to show it game after game if we want to stay in the running."

 

The orange and black hit 14 3's on the night to spearhead their impressive performance over the pronghorns, making 60 three-pointers through their 6 conference games. Five Rustlers finished in double-digits, led by Ariana Rodriguez with 19 points. Natalia Ballin had 16 points with 7 assists while Esperanza Vergara finished with 13 points. Katie Walker and Emily Sawyer finished with 10 a piece while Sawyer brought in 12 rebounds for another double-double.