DENVER, Colo. – The Regis University Ranger women's basketball team came up short falling to the Metropolitan State University of Denver Roadrunners 71-70. In a game that always seems to carry more weight every year being cross-town rivals, the Rangers had a chance but time expired before a shot could get off. The Rangers nine-game win streak came to an end as they move to an overall record of 15-9 and 13-5 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.

RU jumped out to an early 7-2 lead as both teams exchanged basket-for-basket neither letting one gain too much of an advantage. Regis would hold a 22-20 lead after the first quarter.

The Rangers struggled offensively throughout the second quarter, Mary Sigler opened the quarter draining one from distance at the 9:52 mark but that would end up being the Rangers last field goal before the break. Sigler and Bay'lee Purdy gave RU a little bit of life each knocking down a pair of free throws as Regis scored just five second quarter points and headed into halftime down 38-29.

The Roadrunners pushed and held their largest lead of the game at the 4:33 mark, 53-36, but as this women's basketball team has done all season long, they never gave up and began fighting their way back into the game. After three quarters of play, MSU Denver led Regis 57-45.

An 8-2 run mid-way through the fourth brought the Rangers within seven, 62-55, but the Roadrunners always had an answer until the 2:28 mark. Purdy hit one from three to bring Regis within striking distance, 67-60. A two-minute scoring drought by MSU Denver opened the door of opportunities for the Rangers.

Three steals from Caresse Williams that resulted in either RU points electrified the gym as the Roadrunner lead kept slipping away. Kaylie Rader dominated inside scoring a layup with seven seconds remaining to bring the score to 71-70 in favor of the visitors. An MSU Denver forward gave the Rangers a chance to win it missing both free throws with five seconds left. Unfortunately, the distance to cover was too great and RU was unable to get a shot off.

Rarely, the Rangers were outrebounded 37-22 struggling to keep the Roadrunners off the offensive glass. Karlyn Johnson led Regis with 16 points and grabbed seven rebounds going 6-of-8 from the field, 2-of-2 from three, and 2-2 from the line. Sigler produced her best night thus far this season dropping 14 points on 4-of-5 from the field and 5-of-5 from the charity stripe. Kaylie Rader added 11 points and a game-leading eight boards.

Regis is back in action on their home court Saturday, February 13 at 5 p.m. against UC-Colorado Springs (17-7, 13-5 RMAC). The Rangers now currently sit in a three-way for second with UCCS and Colorado Christian.