Western State 78,
CSU-Pueblo 67
GUNNISON, Colo. - Facing a Western State team that starts three
freshmen, but has seemed to find lightning in a bottle in 2008-09,
CSU-Pueblo became the latest victim of a team on the rise, losing
78-67 in Gunnison Friday.
Western State (9-7 overall, 5-4 RMAC) established control early
and led for nearly the entire game. Aside from the very
beginning, when CSU-Pueblo jumped out to a 2-0 lead, the
Mountaineers were able to make shots and frustrate the Pack
offensively. Western State was led by Amber Murray, who put
up 23 points on the Pack in the first half alone, part of her 33
points overall.
CSU-Pueblo didn't have many answers to Western State's attack,
but got a great game from Rachel Espinoza
(So., Pueblo, Colo.). Espinoza recorded a
career-high 23 points, going 7-for-14 from the field sinking 8-of-9
charities for the ThunderWolves. Espinoza also added seven
assists and registered three steals.
Aside from a career-high five three-pointers from Jonnie Draper
(Sr., Littleton, Colo.), the ThunderWolves got little
offensive production elsewhere. The rest of the Pack starters
were just 3-for-22 from the field.
CSU-Pueblo fell to 11-6 and 5-4 in RMAC play with the
loss. The ThunderWolves come back to Pueblo Friday when it
hosts Adams State at Massari Arena.
