SILVER CITY, NM -- The University of Colorado-Colorado Springs ran into a buzz saw Thursday night as host Western New Mexico sent the Mountain Lions home with an 89-63 loss, their worst defeat of the season.

The Mustangs looked as good as they have in many seasons in the win, shooting an impressive 52.5 percent from the field and forcing 30 Mountain Lion turnovers.

Western evened its season mark at 6-6, 2-2 RMAC, while Springs slipped to 8-3, 2-2.

The two team are both RMAC members, but Western competes in the West Division, while Springs vies against the East side of the Conference.

For the second straight game, WNMU Coach Mark Coleman had no trouble going to his bench in the win and he got another night of balanced scoring. Newcomer DJ Nicolas had a breakthrough night for the Stangs, scoring 17 points. Western also got double figures from freshman Shannon Doctor (Sierra Vista, AZ/Buena High School) with 15, Trey Clarkson (Tucson, AZ/Sal Pointe High School) with 14 and Casey Crevelone (Tucson, AZ/Canyon del Oro High School) knocked in 13.

Western was on fire in the second half, pouring in 62 percent of their attempts, playing hard defense and never letting the talented Mountain Lions back into the game. The Mustangs owned a slight lead in rebounding 32-31, but their hot shooting and 12 fewer turnovers were too much for Springs to match.

UCCS was led by Patrick Hannaway's 19 points.

The Mustangs will get Regis at home on Saturday while Springs head to Las Vegas for a meeting with Highlands.