Rustlers win first Region IX game

After a season long fight with Western Wyoming Community College, the Rustlers came out on top. After a losing streak against Western the Rustlers found victory over the Mustangs on Saturday in their first game in the Region IX tournament, 96-89.

“It was the most complete game this season,” said Pat Rafferty, head coach. “It was a great win and great timing. We had solid contributions from everybody which resulted in a really good team win.”

The first half ended with the Rustlers one point down, 44-45 and after a hard fight in the second half the Rustlers took the lead winning by seven points. In total the lead changed ten times throughout the game.

Nicholas Anderson led a trio of players scoring in the double digits with 25 points followed by Marcus Nolan with 22 and Devon Brown with 19. Nolan was four for four at the three point line and eight for 12 in field goals.

“This was the best they’ve played collectively as a team all year in every aspect of the game,” said Steve Barlow, athletic director. “It was an overtime game and they adjusted throughout the game. Going into overtime, their composure and the coaching is what got them through the game for a win.”

The Rustlers will take on Otero College in La Junta, Colorado on Thursday, March 3 at 7pm.

At tonight’s game we are going to play and see what happens. Otero is ranked number 20, are 26-5 and they are playing on their home court. So it will require our best game of the year. I’m hopeful we can play the best we have all year. ”

Coach Pat Rafferty