The Northwest College men’s basketball team fell short in two road contests on the opening weekend of Region IX, falling by 15 in both games in Rock Springs and Casper. The Trappers fell 94-79 to Western Wyoming and 89-74 to Casper College to start Region IX North play 0-2.

WESTERN WYOMING 94, NORTHWEST 79

After moving to .500 for the first time this season the Trappers (9-11 overall, 0-2 Region IX North) were hoping to earn a winning record against the Mustangs (13-6 overall, 2-0 Region IX North) on Friday.

A quick scoring outburst by both teams had the game tied at seven after the first four minutes.

Western then went on a 13-2 run over the next two minutes before a timeout by coach Andy Ward.

The Mustangs continued to maintain a double-digit lead before a push by the Trappers cut it to single digits, trailing 30-21 with approximately six minutes left.

A quick 6-0 run by Western re-established the double-digit advantage, but Northwest continued to battle back.

“It’s always tough no matter where you go to play on the road,” Ward said. “Where they hurt us was our defensive transition. They turned a lot of our turnovers into points.”

Stealing the ball with seconds remaining in the half the Trappers pushed the ball upcourt, finding Milton Rodriguez Santana for a 3-pointer at the buzzer to cut the lead to 46-36 at the half.

Northwest used early baskets to cut it down to single-digits multiple times, but were unable to get closer than nine early in the half as Western pushed it out to 55-42 three minutes in.

The Trappers responded, rallying to within two points down 55-53 with just over 13 minutes remaining.

Western kept pushing the lead out but Northwest had an answer to cut it down to one possession, but the Trappers could not find a way to take the lead until just under 8:30 minutes left.

Northwest finally got that lead on a Colin Hayes layup, making it 66-65 with 8:20 left.

“To our guys’ credit we made a nice run,” Ward said.

Both teams exchanged baskets back and forth, but Western was able to create separation with timely 3-pointers down the stretch.

“We lost two of their better shooters,” Ward said. “We had some crucial turnovers and they hit some big 3-pointers.”

A quick scoring outburst put the Mustangs ahead for good, earning a 94-79 win.

Hayes led with 19 points, Kolter Merritt had a 17 point, 11 rebound double-double and Isaiah Halverson was the final Trapper in double-figures with 10.

Will Hemme led with six assists.

Northwest shot a better percentage than the Mustangs, but seven fewer 3-pointers proved to be the difference in the contest.

CASPER COLLEGE 89, NORTHWEST 74

After the loss Friday, the Trappers continued up to Casper, hoping to salvage a weekend split against the Thunderbirds (12-9 overall, 1-2 Region IX North).

Slow scoring over the first three minutes had the Thunderbirds holding a slight advantage up 8-4 after the first four minutes.

The slow start continued with Casper up 10-6 seven minutes in, before a push expanded that lead to 17-9.

Northwest battled back, cutting it down to 21-18 before eventually tying it at 21 after an Isaiah Halverson 3-pointer.

The two teams exchanged baskets as the game remained close with five minutes remaining in the half.

Casper then quickly built a double-digit lead, making it a 38-26 scoreline with three minutes left.

“Casper is a good team, they have a lot of talent,” Ward said. “They would press us and I don’t think we handled the press.”

Northwest was unable to cut it down below 10 the remainder of the half, trailing 44-30 at the break.

Out of the locker room the Thunderbirds started strong, expanding on their lead and making it a 58-38 scoreline five minutes in.

Northwest did not roll over, using a 9-0 scoring run over two minutes to cut it down to 58-47.

Casper College was able to slow down any momentum from the visitors, pushing the lead back to 19.

One last Trapper push cut the lead down once again, with Northwest trailing 72-62 with just under six minutes left.

Once again Casper College slammed the door shut on a comeback, not allowing the Trappers to cut the lead to single digits and finishing with an 89-74 victory.

Casper College forced the Trappers into 23 turnovers in the contest, and grabbed 14 offensive rebounds which helped the Thunderbirds to extra possessions keeping the Trappers from earning the road win.

“They really hurt us on the glass,” Ward said.

Hayes led once again with 23 points and Halverson had 18.

HOME STAND

Northwest will return home this week, hosting three straight games in Cabre Gym.

That will start against Eastern Wyoming (4-14 overall, 1-1 Region IX North) on Thursday (tonight) at 7:30 p.m.

“Our focus this week has been getting better defensively,” Ward said. “Getting back in transition and eliminating second shots, that has hurt us.”

Northwest will then take Friday off before hosting Laramie County Community College (11-9 overall, 0-2 Region IX North) at 6 p.m. on Saturday.

“Both teams are very athletic and very good in transition,” Ward said. “We will be tested in those areas again.”

The busy week will wrap up on Tuesday, when the Trappers take on Central Wyoming College at 7:30 p.m. (10-10 overall, 1-1 Region IX North).

WESTERN WYOMING 94, NORTHWEST 79

Total rebounds then offensive rebounds in ()

Points — Colin Hayes 19, Kolter Merritt 17, Isaiah Halverson 10, Drew Larson 8, Tessi Thong 8, Milton Rodriguez Santana 7, Will Hemme 4, Carter Clark 3, Max Postiglione 3

Rebounds — Kolter Merritt 11 (3), Colin Hayes 5 (3), Isaiah Halverson 5 (2), Drew Larson 3, Will Hemme 2, Tessi Thong 2, Krue Stubbs 1, Milton Rodriguez Santana 1, Max Postiglione 1

Assists — Will Hemme 6, Isaiah Halverson 3, Kolter Merritt 2, Tessi Thong 2, Drew Larson 1, Colin Hayes 1, Carter Clark 1

Steals — Will Hemme 1, Kolter Merritt 1, Carter Clark 1, Tessi Thong 1

Blocks — Kolter Merritt 1, Colin Hayes 1, Isaiah Halverson 1

CASPER COLLEGE 89, NORTHWEST 74

Points — Colin Hayes 23, Isaiah Halverson 18, Will Hemme 7, Kolter Merritt 7, Drew Larson 5, Max Postiglione 5, Milton Rodriguez Santana 4, Krue Stubbs 3, Tessi Thong 2

Rebounds — Kolter Merritt 6 (2), Isaiah Halverson 6 (1), Will Hemme 5 (2), Drew Larson 5 (2), Colin Hayes 5 (1), Carter Clark 2, Max Postiglione 1, Tessi Thong 1

Assists — Will Hemme 4, Kolter Merritt 2, Drew Larson 1, Milton Rodriguez Santana 1, Max Postiglione 1, Isaiah Halverson 1

Steals — Kolter Merritt 2, Drew Larson 2, Colin Hayes 1, Carter Clark 1, Tessi Thong 1, Isaiah Halverson 1