Bob Pietrack had quite the debut as head coach of the Fort Lewis College men’s basketball program.
The Skyhawks traveled Saturday to Laramie, Wyoming, for an exhibition against defending Division I Mountain West Conference champion Wyoming. On the night the Cowboys raised their conference title banner in their home gym, the Skyhawks pushed them into overtime and beyond.
Cade Kloster hit two big 3-pointers, Will Morse stepped up big, and the Skyhawks stunned Wyoming 77-69.
Though it was an exhibition, there was no underselling the massive victory.
“We just tried to play it like it was a normal game,” Pietrack said. “Our guys stepped up and played big. We’re thankful they played a lot of their guys, but it was a good game for us.
“It’s really fun for a Division II school to get to that environment.”
Kloster led FLC with 21 points. Rasmus Bach chipped in 14 and Joshua Blaylock and Kofi Josephs each had 10. Senior guard Jared Smith was a beast on the boards, hauling in a game-high 10 rebounds. Morse, a point guard, had another seven rebounds. FLC outrebounded the Cowboys 47-33.
“They missed some long shots; that always helps with rebounding,” Pietrack said. “It’s no secret the center we lost in Alex Herrera. We’ve stressed rebounding. That’s the theme for us all year. If we don’t rebound, it will be hard for us to be successful. No one player can make up for Alex. Collectively, we all have to rebound.”
Wyoming was led by 18 points from Josh Adams. Trey Washington III had 10 points as the only other Wyoming player in double figures.
FLC shot only 40 percent from the field but made 12-of-37 from 3-point land.
The Skyhawks will return home to Whalen Gymnasium for a two-day tournament – the Skyhawks Regional Classic – next Friday and Saturday for games against West Texas A&M and Eastern New Mexico.
“This was a good start to our season, but everyone has to remember that we’re 0-0, and next week the regional teams coming in, that’s what really matters,” Pietrack said. “I stressed to our guys, although this is fun, we have to move forward to next week.”
jlivingston@durangoherald.com
