DENVER, Colo. – The Regis University men's basketball team (19-5, 13-5 RMAC) extended their win-streak to a season-high seven games after beating the cross-town rival Metropolitan State University of Denver Roadrunners (14-11, 13-6 RMAC) 82-79, and sweeping the season series.
How It Happened: On four occasions in the first half, Regis found themselves ahead by 15+ points. Their largest lead of the game came at the 5:22 mark (35-19) of the first half following a layup from freshman
Brian Dawson, who was fouled on the play, and the ensuing free throw. The play sent the Ranger fans into a frenzy. The Roadrunners finished the half on an 11-0 run to cut the lead to three points, 37-34, as the horn sounded for halftime.
RU countered with a great opening to the second half, jumping out to a 48-38 lead after junior
Jarrett Brodbeck splashed a three-pointer with 17:17 on the clock. Regis was able to stretch their lead back out to 12 points, 69-57, after senior
Ty McGee drove the lane and finished with a layup off the glass.
MSU Denver was never going to give up. They began to climb their way back into the game, closing the gap to five points on a couple of occasions. The Roadrunners drilled two late three's that put them within two points of RU, 81-79, with only three seconds on the clock. An intentional foul sent sophomore
Christian Little to the line, where he made 1-of-2 attempts to put Regis ahead by three 82-79. The visitors inbounded the ball and raced up the court throwing up a prayer that sailed wide right as the clock expired.
The Rangers held on to the three-point win, giving them the sweep of the season series (2-0) and extending their win streak to a season-best seven games.
Game Notes: For the second night in a row, Brodbeck led the way with 21 points (5-11 FG, 4-10 3-pt, 7-8 FT) while senior
Dexter Sienko tallied 16 points (7-13 FG, 2-2 FT) a team-high seven rebounds and two blocks. After setting a season-high last night, junior
Avonte Nelms set another season-high in this game as he scored 17 points (6-10 FG, 4-7 3-pt, 1-2 FT) in 22 minutes. Little (3-5 FG, 1-4 FT) dished out a game-high six assists, recording seven points and six boards.
Up Next for the Rangers: The men's basketball team will travel to Chadron State College on Tuesday to face the Eagles at 7:30 p.m. Moving to the weekend, the team will host the Westminster College Griffins on Saturday, February 17 at 7 p.m.
