SILVER CITY, N.M. – The 2020 part of the season has begun for the Regis University men's basketball team (8-4, 3-3 RMAC) who fell 85-76 to the New Mexico Highlands University Cowboys (9-2, 4-2), the defending Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) Tournament Champions from a season ago. 
 
How It Happened: It was stiff competition from two solid RMAC competitors a few days into the new year. As the teams headed into the halftime break, Regis held a 34-33 advantage despite a 38.7 shooting percentage. They did hold the Cowboys to less than 33 percent shooting which helped keep the game close. 
 
The second half was very beneficial for the home team who shot almost 61 percent from the field in the second half. A three-pointer from freshman Will Cranston-Lown at the 12:33 mark put the Rangers ahead by 12-points, which was their largest of the game. After that shot, the home side would slowly begin to take control of the battle, stealing the lead 68-67 with less than six minutes to play. Missed shots at the free throw line and from the field down the stretch would prove costly for RU. In fact, Regis would be held without a point for the final 3:50 of the contest, leading to an 85-76 defeat. 
 
Game Notes: Junior Donald Gipson was the high-point man for the Rangers with a season-high 19 points, going 6-of-13 from the field with four three-pointers and five rebounds. Senior Christian Little was next with 18 points behind an efficient 6-for-9 shooting performance. The team finished with a 42.2 percent shooting percentage, going 8-for-28 from beyond the arc.
 
Up Next for the Rangers: The men's basketball team will remain in the road tomorrow when they meet up with the ThunderWolves of Colorado State University – Pueblo at 7:30 p.m.