DENVER, Colo. – The No. 6 seed Regis University women's basketball team (17-11, 12-10 RMAC) pulled off the comeback upset this evening, taking down the third ranked Metropolitan State University of Denver (16-13, 15-7 RMAC) 63-56 at the Auraria Event Center.
How it Happened: Majestie Robinson put the Rangers on the board after they fell behind 5-0 through the first two minutes of play. Moments later,
Morgan Ducklow dropped in a layup followed by a three-point basket to put control in Regis' hands for the first time in the contest. However, four consecutive free throws from the Roadrunners kept them on top 14-11 going into the second period.
Despite garnering an eight-point advantage, MSU-Denver was unable to fend off the Rangers as an 11-zip run, which included back-to-back triples from
Emma Sterkel, bolstered RU to a three-point lead with just under four minutes on the clock.
Holding a 29-25 edge coming out of the half, Regis lost some traction and allowed the Roadrunners to equalize at 31-31 before going on to create a seven-point gap. The Rangers used a 13-2 scoring stretch led by Sterkel and
Jaz'Myne Snipes combining for 10 points in the final four and a half minutes to regain command, heading into the final period ahead 47-43.
Clutch 7-of-9 shooting from the free throw line for Regis proved to be of critical importance in the waning minutes as the Roadrunners would draw as close as one possession before RU pulled just out of reach, ultimately sealing the 63-56 win upset.
Game Notes: Sterkel knocked down 7-of-15 from the floor and four of seven attempted threes for a team-leading 20 points in addition to two steals and as many assists.
Whitney Jacob followed with 15 points and seven rebounds while Robinson chipped in 14 points, including eight free throws, and two assists and two steals. Espinosa pulled down a game-high 13 rebounds.
The Rangers finished 36.8% from the field on 21-for-57 shooting and 35% (7-20) from behind the arc. They narrowly edged the Roadrunners on the boards, tracking down 36 while MSU-Denver collected 35.
Up Next for the Rangers: Regis will now face Westminster College on Friday, March 8.
