HILO, HI -- Western New Mexico's men's basketball team suffered its first loss Friday, falling 79-77 to Fort Lewis in round two of the Hilo Classic in Hilo, HI. The Skyhawks (3-0, 0-0) shot an amazing 62 percent from the field in the game, while the Mustangs (3-1, 0-0) managed a still solid 50 percent from the floor.

Fort Lewis is the RMAC preseason pick to take the with Western Division. Friday's WNMU-FLC clash was a non-conference game between the to RMAC schools.

Western held a brief lead in the first half, but once the Skyhawks got the lead they didn't surrender it as four FLC players scored in double figures. WNMU matched the four-in-double figures total, but the Skyhawks owned the glass -- grabbing 32 rebounds compared to Western's 20. Western led in takeaways however, 22-12.

Trey Clarkson (Tucson, AZ/Sal Pointe High School) (JR, Tucson, AZ) led the WNMU scoring contingent with 16. Jason Jackson (Albuquerque, NM/Highland High School) (SR, Albuquerque) notched 14, while Kris Taylor (Mesa, AZ/Dobson High School) (SR, Mesa, AZ) Casey Crevelone (Tucson, AZ/Canyon del Oro High School) (JR, Tucson) added 10 with 8 and 7 rebounds respectively.

The Mustangs will face Hawaii-Hilo again Saturday before heading home Sunday morning.