Back-to-back 3-pointers from Riley Farris and Logan Hokanson changed the complexion of a back-and-forth game Friday night in South Dakota and helped make Bob Pietrack the fastest coach in Fort Lewis College history to 100 wins.
Led by upperclassmen one game after two freshmen helped Fort Lewis College to a key win, the Skyhawks overcame an early deficit and got timely baskets to secure a 77-73 victory at South Dakota School of Mines on Friday night in the King Center in Rapid City, South Dakota.
It was the first road game of the season for the Skyhawks, which improved to 8-1 overall and 2-1 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.
The win gave Pietrack his 100th career win as head coach of the Skyhawks. He accomplished the feat in 135 games, the quickest of any FLC coach in any sport in school history. It was one game fewer than famed women’s basketball coach Mark Kellogg, now the head coach of Division I Stephen F. Austin. It’s the best 135-game stretch in the history of FLC men’s basketball.
Pietrack said it was special to share the accomplishment with associate head coach Daniel Steffensen, who has been with Pietrack all five years he has been head coach.
“The only word that comes to mind is grateful,” Pietrack said. “I’m thankful Fort Lewis has confidence in me as a leader. I’m thankful for the 11 years I spent as an assistant under Bob Hofman, and I’m especially thankful to all the great players we’ve had and to be able to share it with coach Steffensen.
“We are a band, not a solo singer out there. Doing this with my best friend and having a great time together makes it extra special. We’ve grown up together as coaches and have been together this whole time. It’s really fun to do it with a special person. Bottom line, we’re just in love with Fort Lewis basketball.”
While star freshman Akuel Kot battled foul trouble all game and fouled out with only four points and three rebounds, Hokanson had a breakout game for FLC. The junior college All-American transfer from Snow College continued to play through a wrist injury but looked more comfortable, as he had 12 points, seven rebounds and two assists in the win.
Down 65-64 with 3 minutes, 45 seconds to play, Farris hit a big 3-pointer to get to 20 points and give FLC a 67-65 lead. Hokanson got a rebound on the other end of the floor, and he took a pass from Farris and drilled a 3 of his own to give the Skyhawks a 70-65 advantage.
“We were down 3 earlier, and (Danny) Garrick hit a bomb. Then it was Farris and (Hokanson),” Pietrack said. “That’s what your all-league players are supposed to do on the road. The horses rode it home for us tonight.”
On a night when Kot and fellow freshman guard Junior Garbrah were quiet, junior guard Will Wittman stepped up with 17 points and six rebounds. Garrick added 14 points and five rebounds. Pietrack also credited sophomore forward Brendan La Rose for a big six points, four rebounds and all-around strong play in the game’s final 10 minutes.
“The essence of a good team is that guys have to step up when another guy is not at his best,” Pietrack said. “It was a weird night and a tough game out there. (Kot and Garbrah) are both studs and are going to bounce back. It was their first collegiate road game, and there’s going to be some growing pains.”
The Hardrockers (3-7, 0-4 RMAC) raced out to a 10-0 lead before Garrick helped stop the bleeding with five points for FLC. The Skyhawks would take a 14-12 lead on a Wittman 3-pointer, and it was a back-and-forth first half the rest of the way. The teams went into the break tied 34-34.
The Hardrockers were led by Logan Elers, who had 20 points and six rebounds. Poor free-throw shooting was costly for the home team, as the Hardrockers shot only 9-of-22 from the foul line compared to 17-of-22 for the Skyhawks.
FLC also shot 50% for the game and made 10-of-24 shots from 3-point range.
“If we make 10 from 3 and shoot 50%, we’re going to be right there, even with the turnover problems we had tonight,” Pietrack said, referencing his team’s 15 turnovers.
Now, the Skyhawks will look to sweep the road trip with a 6 p.m. Saturday game at Black Hills State (4-5, 2-2 RMAC).
“Let’s see if we can’t finish the trip,” Pietrack said. “They are a good basketball team, big and strong and tough as hell.”
jlivingston@durangoherald.com
100 wins
Fort Lewis College
Note: The fastest coaches to 100 career wins in Fort Lewis College history
1. Bob Pietrack, men’s basketball, 135 games
2. Mark Kellogg, women’s basketball, 136 games
3. Oige Kennedy, men’s soccer, 145 games
4. Jeremy Gunn, men’s soccer, 153 games
5. Jason Flores, women’s basketball, 161 games
6. Bob Hofman, men’s basketball, 182 games
