RANGELY, Colo. (November 5, 2019) - The Colorado Northwestern Community College men's basketball team opened the 2019 season with a loss Tuesday.

Playing inside Hefley Gym, the Spartans suffered an 88-76 loss to Western Wyoming Community College after narrowly trailing at halftime. CNCC starts the season with a mark of 0-1 with the loss.

The Spartans and Western Wyoming were knotted in a close battle at halftime, 36-34, as Colorado Northwestern led by double-digits midway through the first half. Free-throw shooting made the difference for the visiting Mustangs in the second half though as WWCC made 24-of-30 attempts.

Azarien Stephens led CNCC with 19 points, while Dre'Quez Harvey finished with 13 points. CNCC's other double-digit scorer was Matthew Hamilton, who finished with 11 points.

Colorado Northwestern will travel to play in a tournament hosted by Scenic West Athletic Conference rival USU Eastern this weekend.