CHEYENNE—It was a Region IX South battle and it came down to the end between Western Nebraska Community College and Laramie County Community College.

                In the end, the Golden Eagles survived with a down-to-the-wire win over the Cougars 71-68 in conference play.

                The win moves LCCC to 1-1 in South play and 8-4 overall, while the Cougars drop to 0-3 in South play and 8-5 overall.

                WNCC coach Russ Beck remains upbeat despite the recent setbacks. Beck believes his team will rebound.

                "Rough week for the boys. We are about to turn the corner," he said. "We have a great bunch of young men and we have a destiny in that which doesn't kill you makes you stronger and we are still standing so we will take these games and grow from them."

                Beck said his team will come back in full force next week when they host North Platte and McCook in South Division play. Friday's game with North Platte is Family Night with free admission.

                "We will work hard this week and get ourselves back in the win column," he said. "We have North Platte next Friday and it is free admission for Family Night, so come out and rock the Palace."

                The contest evenly played as WNCC shot 39 percent from the field and made five 3-pointers. LCCC shot 37 percent from the field and buried four treys.

                WNCC's Phil Fayne had a big night despite the loss with a double-double. Fayne finished with 17 points and pulled down 10 rebounds. Fayne was 7 of 10 from the field.

                Also collecting double digits was Andrew Ramirez with 16 points and three assists. Ramirez also buried three 3-pointers.

                WNCC offense was also ignited by Chase Mason, who buried two treys to finish with eight points.

                LCCC finished the game with three in double digits. Gavin Peppers led the way with 17 points, including going 7 of 8 from the free throw line. Izia Sherman-Newsome also tallied 16 points with all four 3-pointers. Josh McNair also finished with 11 points, while Michael Obindu had nine.

                The contest was close as LCCC held a 30-26 lead at halftime. The second half saw WNCC pick up the offense, outscoring the Golden Eagles 42-41.

                WNCC will return to action next weekend with two home South contests. The Cougars will entertain North Platte Community College on Friday at 7:30 p.m. before hosting McCook Community College Saturday afternoon. Friday's contest is Family Night and includes free admission.

WNCC (8-5)        26 42 – 68

LCCC (8-4)           30 41 – 71

WNCC

Marquin Walton 4, Daylon Harris 4, Mason Smith 4, RJ Palmer 5, Michael Sparks 3, Micheel Connor 2, Chase Mason 8, Phil Fayne 17, Andrew Ramirez 16, Tyrell Wiliams 5.

LCCC

Willie Willis 2, Gavin Peppers 17, Josh McNair 11, Naseem Hadrab 2, Jerry Luckett 4, Harrison Meads 4, Izia Sherman-Newsom 16, Dominik Keinzl 6, Micheal Obindu 9.