Gunnison, CO – The Westminster Griffins men's basketball team battled until the final buzzer in an intense double-overtime showdown against Western Colorado but ultimately fell 83-76 on Tuesday night.
The game saw 16 ties and 19 lead changes, with both teams trading baskets throughout regulation. Westminster held a 33-37 deficit at halftime but responded in the second half to force overtime at 66-66. After each team scored six points in the first overtime, the Mountaineers pulled away in the second extra period, outscoring the Griffins 11-4 to secure the win.
Donaval Avila led the charge for Westminster with a dominant 24-point, 9-rebound performance, shooting 9-of-11 from the field. Ryan Rubenskas added 18 points and 5 rebounds, while Parker Christensen contributed 10 points and 5 rebounds.
Western Colorado's Amar Rivers had a game-high 21 points, hitting crucial shots down the stretch, while Nalik Veasley scored 18 points on an efficient 7-of-10 shooting.
Team Statistics:
- Field Goal Percentage: Westminster 41.8%, Western Colorado 43.1%
- Three-Point Shooting: Westminster 30.0% (3-10), Western Colorado 26.1% (6-23)
- Free Throws: Westminster 77.3% (17-22), Western Colorado 78.3% (18-23)
- Points in the Paint: Westminster 34, Western Colorado 30
- Fast Break Points: Westminster 13, Western Colorado 6
- Second Chance Points: Westminster 20, Western Colorado 9
Up Next:
The Griffins return home for their final game of the regular season on Thursday, Feb. 27, where they will celebrate Senior Night against Colorado Mesa University at Behnken Field House. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m., with tickets available in advance at westminstergriffins.com. Fans can also catch the game live on the RMAC Network.
