DENVER, Colo. -- The Regis University men's basketball team fell to non-conference opponent St. Mary's University (Texas) 76-65 in their season and home opener Friday night in the Regis Fieldhouse. The Rangers were slotted at third overall in the RMAC preseason rankings released on Oct. 21st. 

HOW IT HAPPENED 

Kobe Sanders opened the scoring for the home team on an early three-pointer. Graduate student Sanders is a first-year Ranger, competing for Metropolitan State University of Denver and Concordia University Irvine (California) previously. The Denver native tallied nine points, four assists, and one steal in his Regis debut.  

In an energetic and fast-paced match-up from the start, the Rangers battled on both sides of the ball. Olafer Styrmisson led the Rangers with two steals and newcomer Chi Achara, a senior transfer from Houston Christian University, recorded two blocks. Ty Cox snagged seven rebounds, four of which were defensive. 

Jalen Brown led the Rangers offensively with 15 points. RMAC Preseason Watchlist honoree Chase Mayo Harmon recorded eight points of his own and led the Rangers with six assists.

The Rangers trailed the Rattlers 32-39 at the end of the first half. Regis pulled within two points of the Rattlers' lead multiple times in the second half but were unable to overtake their visitors from down south, losing 65-76. 

"I thought we played very hard," said head Coach Brady Bergeson. "I give St. Mary's a lot of credit for also playing hard. I thought they controlled the paint, and made rebounding a factor in their favor. We've got to do a better job of winning loose balls and 50/50 rebounds."
GAME NOTES  

The Rangers shot more than twice as many three-pointers as the Rattlers. Regis scored on 12 of 32 three-point attempts, shooting 37.5% from deep, compared to St. Mary's two for 14 and 14.3%.  

Regis tallied 18 assists to St. Mary's nine.  
UP NEXT 

The Rangers face another Lone Star Conference opponent on Saturday, Nov. 9th, tipping off against Lubbock Christian University (Texas) at 5:30 p.m. in the Regis Fieldhouse.