TORRINGTON – The Eastern Wyoming College men’s basketball team snapped a five-game losing streak Wednesday evening to the tune of a 69-57 victory over the Laramie County Community College Golden Eagles.
After leading all but the opening possession, the Lancers allowed the visiting Golden Eagles to score the first six points of the second half, giving Laramie County a 37-31 lead.
After a quick timeout, EWC sophomore Jonatan Arvidsson slowed the LCCC run with a 3-pointer with 17:44 remaining in the game.
The trey sparked a 13-2 run which gave the Lancers a 47-39 advantage.
It was a lead which only grew from there, reaching as many as 61-45 with three minutes left in the ballgame.
In the first half, Eastern Wyoming led all but the first 55 seconds and a minute late in the half.
Laramie County won the opening tip and scored, but freshman forward David Hook drained a desperation 3-pointer at the end of the shot clock to give the Lancers their first lead of the night.
The EWC lead reached as many as seven following a trio of made free throws from freshman Jeremi Jiba.
But that’s when LCCC started its comeback.
The Golden Eagles briefly took a lead with two minutes to go before halftime.
A minute later, Arvidsson answered to put his team back on top. However, it was brief as the teams went into the locker room tied at 31.
Laramie County managed to keep the momentum on its side for the first two and a half minutes before EWC took over and pulled away for the 12-point victory.
Arvidsson led the Lancers with 21 points, while sophomore Chris Bell, Hook and freshman Jacob Pfaffinger added nine points each.
Prior to the home win, Eastern Wyoming fell 66-58 to Western Wyoming last Saturday in Rock Springs.
Arvidsson led EWC with 18 points, while freshman Sam Tiley tossed in 12.
The Lancers (10-19) are back at home Saturday at 4 p.m. against Gillette College for Sophomore Night.
