Trahern keys Pack to thrilling win

CSU-Pueblo 78, Western New Mexico 76

PUEBLO, Colo. - In what was the best night in the career of senior center, Jake Trahern (Sr., Kit Carson, Colo.), the ThunderWolves held a wily Western New Mexico team at arm's length, ending the Mustangs for a 78-76 win and securing the season sweep over Western New Mexico Thursday.

Trahern saved his best performance on a night when his dominance was truly needed.  Pack leading scorer Rome Smith (Sr., Denver, Colo.) was held to just two points in the first half, but Trahern filled the vacuum, sinking 21 first half points, a career high, and eclipsing 1,000 points for his career with his 27-point effort on the night, two off of his career high.

Trahern's rebound total of 13 was also a career high.

But more important than Trahern's numbers was his ownership of the post.  Trahern kept Western New Mexico's post, D.J. Nicholas, from challenging him all game long.  But in a night of good performances on both sides of the ball, Nicholas was forced into medium range jumpers, drilling most of them and leading the Mustangs with 19 points.

Similar to the last meeting between these two teams on Feb. 7, with CSU-Pueblo sinking a game-winning three at the end of regulation to secure a 58-56 win, Thursday's matchup was as tense.  The ThunderWolves, despite shooting a healthy 53 percent from the field, met their match in a determined Western New Mexico team, sloughing off Trahern's dunks and constant grabs for momentum by shooting over 61 percent in the second half. 

As a result, CSU-Pueblo, which only trailed on three occasions throughout the entire game, could not open up a lead larger than five points throughout the second half.

But the Pack maintained control as Smith woke up from his slumber, hitting three pretty jump shots down the stretch, and a parade of threes from Roman Van Allen (Jr., Los Angeles, Calif.), who sank a career-high five treys in the game.

The game ultimately hinged on the final possession by Western New Mexico.  With 10 seconds remaining and trailing by two, the Mustangs had a chance to shock the Pack the way they had been shocked two weeks earlier in Silver City, N.M. - by burying a game-winning three.

But it was not to be, as Justin Williams' three-point attempt found its way into the hands of Trahern, securing the win for the Pack.

CSU-Pueblo remained in the black in RMAC play, improving to 9-8 on the season, currently holding down 7th place in the RMAC.  The top eight teams qualify for the RMAC Tournament in March.

The Pack will enjoy a nine-game layover before returning the hardwood Feb. 27 when they host Western State at Massari Arena.