GOLDEN, Colo. – The Regis University men's basketball team (0-1, 0-0 RMAC) lost their season opener against Lubbock Christian University (1-0, 0-0 Heartland) 72-54, in the RMAC/Heartland Challenge held at Colorado Mines.

Despite outshooting the Chaparrals 44 percent to 42 percent, Regis was unable to earn the victory on opening night. Freshman Ryan Beisty led all Rangers in scoring with 14 points, going 4-8 from the field, connecting on four shots from beyond the arc. 

RU jumped out to an early 8-2 lead on two three-pointers from Beisty and a jumper from senior Kevin Marshall two minutes into the game. Marshall chipped in 10 points on 5-8 shooting while also dishing out two assists. Sophomore Dexter Sienko collected a team high eight rebounds and three blocks to go along with nine points in the effort. 

Heading into halftime Regis trailed by six points, ready to get something started on the offensive end. Two layups from Marshall brought RU to within four points of the Chaparrals, 29-33. Beisty scored five straight points with 10 minutes left in the second half, bringing the score to 42-46 in favor of LCU before the Chaps ended the game on a 26-12 run.  

Regis committed 17 turnovers in the game that turned into 21 points for the Chaps. RU outshot LCU from beyond the arc, 32 percent to 29 percent although they lost the rebound (38-33) and assist battle (22-12) in the effort.  

The men's basketball team will return to Colorado Mines to face Saint Mary's University (Tex.) tomorrow night at 5 p.m. All away games can be streamed in High Definition by clicking on the Stretch Internet tab at www.regisrangers.com.