Lopes Rally Past Western Wyoming 84–75, Advance to Region 9 Elite Eight

Lamar, Colo. — The Lamar Community College men's basketball team delivered a strong second-half performance Saturday night, defeating Western Wyoming 84–75 in a home playoff game to advance to the Elite Eight of the Region 9 Tournament.

After trailing 36–34 at halftime, the Lopes regrouped in the locker room and came out with renewed energy on both ends of the floor. Lamar controlled much of the second half, using balanced scoring and strong rebounding to pull away late and secure the nine-point victory.

Head coach Jaxon Autry said his team understood the challenge coming into the matchup.

"We knew Western Wyoming would be a really good test in round one," Autry said. "They are well coached and tough. They beat us here by 20 to open up the semester."

This time around, however, Lamar showed the growth and cohesion that has developed over the course of the season. The Lopes executed offensively and tightened their defense in the second half, turning a two-point halftime deficit into a postseason win.

Leading the way was Gavin Dabney, who scored a game-high 25 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Ahmed Cisse recorded a dominant double-double with 21 points and 11 rebounds while knocking down three of his seven attempts from beyond the arc.

Jaylon Brown added 20 points and three assists, giving Lamar three players with 20 or more points in the victory. Point guard Christian Payawal orchestrated the offense effectively, finishing with nine points, eight assists, and four rebounds.

The win sends Lamar into the Region 9 quarterfinals, where the Lopes will face Casper College with a spot in the tournament semifinals on the line.

Autry believes the team's chemistry could be the difference as the postseason continues.

"This time of year, connected teams win," Autry said. "My guys want more time together. We have a group that can make a run."

With momentum from Saturday's comeback victory and contributions throughout the lineup, Lamar Community College will look to carry its strong second-half form into the next round against Casper.