Box Score Denver, Colorado- "Someone asked me if this was a bittersweet moment for me and I replied 'No, this is just sweet'," said Head Coach Lonnie Porter. "It doesn't get much better than this."
Coach Porter shared those words with those who gathered together after tonight's game against CSU-Pueblo to honor him one more time. Coach Porter's career ended with an 85-75 loss to the Thunderwolves, but once again he got hard work and effort from each one of his players. The only thing he has ever asked for.
The game also marked the last game for senior forward Brett Hartshorne. The 2014-15 season was the only season Hartshorne spent as a Regis Ranger, but he certainly made it count. Hartshorne started 25 out of 26 games averaging 28.1 minutes on the court. He averaged 12.8 points and 3.7 rebounds per game while also totaling 11 steals and seven blocked shots.
Hartshorne tonight helped the Rangers jump out to a 9-6 lead knocking down back-to-back threes within Regis' first three possessions. After Hartshorne's second three, CSU-Pueblo's Jed Knafelc answered with a three of his own and the game was tied up 9-9 just five minutes into the game. The Thunderwolves would gain control of the game once everyone got settled in. Tyrone Marshall's layup at the 7:37 mark put CSU-Pueblo up 24-16. The Thunderwolves would hold on to their lead heading into halftime, 36-29.
In the second half, the Rangers would put together an impressive comeback that included nine three pointers; Hartshorne went 4-4 from distance. Hartshorne's second three pointer in the half would bring CSU-Pueblo's lead down to only three, 51-48, with 10:45 remaining. The Thunderwolves continued to try and extend their lead, but with the home crowd behind them, the Rangers would keep them within striking distance.
Junior guard Dylan Kind and Hartshorne would continue the hot streak from behind the arc for the Rangers. King's three with 6:31 remaining in the game brought the game to a score of 67-60. After the Thunderwolves' Bronson Moton answered with a three of his own, Hartshorne knocked down his third three of the half to keep CSU-Pueblo's lead at only just seven. Unfortunately, CSU-Pueblo kept making shots on their end, keeping the Rangers from gaining any more ground and Regis was handed their 19th and last conference loss of the season.
Hartshorne lead the Rangers with 29 points and four rebounds. Junior guard Billy Hansen contributed 14 and King notched 10. Freshman forward Miikka Luosmaa matched Hartshorne's rebound total pulling down four.
The Regis Men's Basketball team finished the season with a 5-21 record, 3-19 in the RMAC. Coach Porter finishes his career with 538 wins; the mark stands as the most wins for a Colorado collegiate basketball coach.