Cougar men fall to Lamar

LAMAR, Colo. -- The Western Nebraska Community College had a slow start to the 2010 season and in turn suffered a disappointing loss to Lamar Community College 66-57 on Friday at Lamar, Colo.

Cougar head coach Russ Beck said his team needs to eliminate mental mistakes.

"We came out flat and before we knew what hit us we were down 18-5," he said. "We settled down and put together a nice run and led 28-27 at half. The second half was close and it was a two point game with less than five minutes left in the game. Lamar then went on a 7-0 run."

Beck said their rebounding wasn't there, and that was a big difference in the, along with the turnovers. WNCC had just 18 offensive rebounds and committed 21 turnovers.

Still, the 10-6 Cougars played hard.

"We play hard; we just need to play smart," he said. "We have the opportunity to jump right back on the saddle again today."

Francisco Cruz led the way with 21 points, including four 3-pointers. Geddes Robinson also chipped in 18 points for the Cougars.

The Cougars will look to get back on the winning track today when they travel to Otero Junior College in La Junta, Colo.

"We need to get back to playing Cougar basketball," Beck said.

WNCC (10-6) 28 29 -- 57

Lamar (7-10) 27 39 -- 66

WESTERN NEBRASKA

Francisco Cruz 21, Geddes Robinson 18, Brylle Kamen 8, Saul Torres 4, O'Rion Hughes 6,