It took all forty minutes but Colorado Christian hung on and beat Western State 85-79 Friday night in Lakewood.
 
With the win, CCU climbed back to .500 in both overall and RMAC competition, while also avenging a road loss to the Mountaineers earlier in the month.
 
It certainly wasn't a complete victory, but it was victory nonetheless, and one that helped stop a three game losing skid.
 
Christian looked out of sorts defensively for long stretches and allowed WSCU to shoot a high percentage from the field- 48% for the game and 56% in the second half. But while there were struggles, the Cougar offense helped cover the cracks of the defense on this particular night.
 
Christian received big contributions from a number of sources, and a balanced output kept the Western defense from zeroing in on any one player. Senior Tyler Shields had the hot hand for the Cougars in the first half, scoring ten of his team-high 16 in the first period.
 
Connecting on outside shots as well as crashing the glass, Shields added seven rebounds and two assists to his line.
 
"We were just moving the ball well on offense, and it helps when my teammates get me open shots because I have trouble creating my own shots," remarked Shields. "It helps when I get some assists from people like (Andrew) Squiers and Mike Brown"
 
Squiers and Brown combined for ten of Christian's 13 assists, with the latter accounting for a game-best 7. The point guard Squiers took an aggressive approach, getting into the paint as often as possible and finishing at the rim or the free throw line for a 15 point total.
 
David Whitmore and Zach McLemore, meanwhile, provided a big spark in reserve roles, playing big minutes and scoring timely baskets.
 
Whitmore would finish with 13 points, connecting on three 3-point attempts, and the freshman McLemore scored 15 to help CCU win the battle of the bench.
 
Head Coach Kevin Lubbers acknowledged that it wasn't the prettiest of wins but it was much-needed.
 
"A win is a win, they all count the same. I thought our energy and enthusiasm was good tonight, and that hasn't been there the last few games," said Lubbers.  "Obviously we're going to have to play better tomorrow to get a win, but we'll certainly take this one."
 
The Cougars face a much tougher task Saturday night, as they'll take on Colorado Mesa. CCU will once again look to make up for another tough loss after they dropped a heart-breaker to the Mavericks in Grand Junction. Tip-off is slated for 7pm.