SCOTTSBLUFF, Nebraska  – The rivalry game between the Eastern Wyoming College Lancers and the Western Nebraska Community College Cougars came down to the wire in a heated second half at Scottsbluff on November 28.

A determined comeback by the Lancers brought EWC within a single point of overtaking the Cougars with 10:12 remaining on the clock following a deep 3-pointer by freshman Henos Fitwi.

The Cougars answered back with an 11-point run the Lancers found themselves unable to close and WNCC steadily widened its lead over the final nine minutes of regulation to win, 81-67.

“It was a tough loss,” head coach Tom Andersen said. “A couple of turnovers late in the second half when were within one point (of overtaking WNCC) were huge. We competed hard, did a great job on the glass and out-rebounded them by 12. The big difference in the game was that (WNCC) shot very well from the 3-point line.”

Western Nebraska

The first half commenced with a point-for-point battle. EWC pulled ahead early in the game following a slam dunk by freshman Ryan Aye and a layup from freshman Jules Teboul.

WNCC then edged back into the lead, 6-4.

Freshman Masaiah “MJ” Binford converted an and-1, placing EWC ahead, 7-6.

WNCC netted a 3-pointer and took control of the scoreboard to lead, 42-35 ta halftime.

The Lancers rallied early in the second half. A pair of outside shots by sophomore Micah Glover brought EWC within a single possession of overtaking the Cougars, 49-46.

WNCC remained ahead, although EWC closed the deficit once again to a single possession, 52-50, when freshman Ryan Aye tossed in a layup. 

WNCC answered with a 6-point run. Taking possession, Fitwi scored a layup and freshman Makhiah Tarver went 2-for-2 at the charity stripe, making it a two-possession game.

Aye rebounded a missed shot by WNCC, setting Fitwi up to net a 3-pointer and EWC trailed by a single point.

Three Lancers scored double digits against WNCC – Glover at 13 points, Aye 12 and Binford 11. Freshman Khayree Rashed dominated the glass and posted 10 rebounds. 

Week 3 summary

The Lancers traveled to Colorado for back-to-back games against Colorado Northwestern on November 17 and Snow College on November 18.

The game between EWC and the Colorado Northwestern Spartans turned into a nailbiter with 1:09 remaining in regulation.

The Lancers tied the game at 87 points with a jumper from Glover and EWC pulled ahead, 89-87, when freshman Ryan Aye made a layup.

Colorado Northwestern took possession and netted a 3-pointer. The Spartans then drew a foul and scored from the charity stripe to win, 91-89.

On Saturday, November 18, EWC battled the No. 11-ranked Snow College and came up short, 101-72, against the undefeated Badgers.

The Lancers host McCook Community College on Friday, December 1 with tipoff at 7:30 p.m. On Saturday, EWC takes on North Platte Community College in Torrington at 4 p.m. 

“We are excited to play at home this weekend after a very tough schedule so far on the road,” coach Andersen said.