Box Score GOLDEN, Colo. – After a heartbreaking defeat in the final seconds last night, the Regis University men's basketball team was back in action Saturday night as they clashed with the Orediggers of Colorado Mines (7-1, 2-0 RMAC). Regis (6-2, 0-2 RMAC) fought for the full 40-minute contest, but they were overpowered by the home team late in the second half, dropping the game 81-69.
 
The first half showcased a great deal of talent as the Rangers shot 46.7 percent from the field, and CSM followed with 46.4 percent shooting. The Orediggers knocked down 5-of-12 three-pointers in the first half while RU was held to 2-of-8 from beyond the arc.
 
There was a total of 12 lead changes in a first half that was well played on both ends. Regis held their largest lead, 20-13, with 11 minutes on the clock, but CSM used their home court advantage to fight back and take a one-point lead, 36-35, into the break.
 
Freshman Christian Little established himself early as he netted 10 points in 13 minutes of play. The guard did not miss a shot going 5-5 from the field while also picking up an assist and one rebound.
 
After halftime, the teams took the floor once more ready to compete for the win. Much of the same action continued as the Rangers found themselves tied with the Orediggers 42-42 after sophomore Jarrett Brodbeck hit a jumper.
 
A small 6-0 run from the home team put RU in yet another hole. With the momentum, CSM extended their lead to 12 points with six minutes on the clock.
 
With a steal from senior Noah King, junior Kevin Metoyer found himself wide open beyond the arc at the baseline where he launched and splashed a three-pointer to breathe life back into Regis as they trailed 67-71 with one minute and 55 seconds to go.
 
It was free throws for the Orediggers from that point on. They converted on nine of their ten attempts to put the game away 81-69 when the final whistle sounded.
 
Little finished the game with 14 points on 6-of-6 shooting from the field, and going 2-for-5 from the charity stripe. Brodbeck (13 points) and junior Dexter Sienko (8 points) pulled down five rebounds apiece. Metoyer dished out a team-high four assists on a night that the Rangers shot 39.7 percent from the field. The 43-33 rebound margin in favor of the home team was not favorable for RU who, the night before, turned their offensive rebounds into 25 second chance points.
 
Up next for the men's basketball team is will be two games at home against cross-town rival Metropolitan State University-Denver (6-2, 2-0 RMAC) on Friday December 9 at 7 p.m. The team will turn around and battle UC-Colorado Springs (2-4, 1-0 RMAC) the next night, Saturday, December 10 also at 7 p.m.