Skyhawks Stay hot, Push Win Streak to 7 behind Second-Half Surge

Christian Kirkman

The Fort Lewis College men’s basketball team extended its win streak to 8 games after using a strong second half to secure a conference win against University of Colorado Colorado Springs. 

Despite not having their usual energy to start the game and losing one of their top defenders to injury early, the Skyhawks regrouped in the second half and delivered when it counted.

“You know, I just felt that we didn't quite have the pop we normally have”, Head Coach Jordan Mast said.

“We had one of our best defenders go down early with an injury, and I think they just stayed the course, toughed it out,” Mast said, “Guys just trusted what we're doing.” 

After a quick lead change to the game, the Skyhawks were in a battle, but managed to comply and made adjustments to help them in the second half, he said.

"We have to do what we're good at better, and I thought we did it better in the second half,” Mast said. 

Stewart Erhart, a shooting guard for the Skyhawks, said that while opponents may be adjusting their defensive attention, the team's mindset hasn’t shifted. 

“Just knowing teams are focusing on me more, I know my personal success is coming, but the only stat we care about is winning or losing,” Erhart said. “We don't really try to focus on any other stat but that one.”

Erhart is a redshirt sophomore, which is someone who is in their third year of academic studies, but only in their second year of athletic competition. 

With the victory, the Skyhawks now sit atop the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference standing with a two-game lead and hold a critical tiebreaker advantage. 

“We’re just trying to stay at this level and keep the team first, we only want to go as far as our team success, not individual success," said Erhart. 

The road doesn't get easier, with key conference matchups looming. 

The RMAC tournament will begin Tuesday, March 3 for the quarterfinal games