CHADRON, Neb. – Chadron State led after the first quarter, but Fort Lewis dominated the next two quarters and defeated the Eagles 67-46 in Durango on Thursday.

The Eagles sank a trio of 3-point shots in the first five minutes and 20 seconds of the game while also employing an aggressive defense the limited the Skyhawks to just three field goals in 16 shots in the opening frame of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference game. That gave the Eagles a 14-9 lead at the first quarter break.  

But the lead didn't last long. Chadron State scored just five points in the second quarter and 11 in the third. The Skyhawks shot 50 percent in those two periods, making 15 of 30 shots while tallying 40 points and taking a 49-30 advantage going into the final frame. The Skyhawks scored 18 points and the Eagles 16 in the fourth quarter. 

For the game, Fort Lewis was 25 of 62 (40.3 percent) and CSC 16 of 49 (32.7 percent) from the field. Each team finished with four 3-pointers. The hosts were 13-18 at the free throw line and the Eagles 10-15. 

Both teams had difficulty keeping track of the basketball. Fort Lewis had 25 turnovers and the Eagles had a season-high 37.  

The game's high scorer was the Skyhawks' Natalie Guanella, who tallied 16 points while making all six of her field goal shots and four of five free throws. Katie Lamb added 13 points and a game-high eight steals. Savanna Dotray chipped in 12 points for the winners.

Chadron State was led by guard Audrey Quintana with 14 points. Center McKenzi Petersen added nine points and shared the game-high rebounding lead with six. Freshman Ella Moser had eight points.

Fort Lewis is now 15-10 overall and at 8-9 remains in the RMAC playoff picture. The Eagles, still seeking their second victory, will play Adams State in Alamosa on Saturday afternoon.