DENVER, Colo. – The Regis University Men's Basketball team defeated Metropolitan State University-Denver, who was ranked #13 in the latest National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) NCAA DII Top 25 poll and #11 in the D2CSC Men's Basketball Division II Media Poll, 78-76 on Tuesday night. The Rangers climb to 9-8 (7-2 RMAC), while the Roadrunners fall to 14-3 (8-1 RMAC).
HOW IT HAPPENED
Kobe Sanders hit a floater to start the scoring, then Chase Mayo Harmon hit a jumper to start a 9-0 Ranger run that brought the score to 11-5. Jalen Brown would score from deep, assisted by Eddy Egun, then stole the ball and hit a step back jump shot to extend the Regis lead to 25-11. But the Roadrunners responded with a huge run of their own, bringing the game within one, 32-31 with 4:15 left in the half. Egun converted an and-one to keep RU in the lead, and scored in the paint to end the half, Regis leading 44-43.
MSUD was able to take the lead early in the second, 48-44, but Quinn Lambert sparked another run that saw a Ty Cox layup and back-to-back triples from Brown as Regis took command, 58-48. The Roadrunners brought the game back within one possession before a Sanders layup, and a pair of Mayo Harmon threes kept Metro at bay. With 3:48 left, a three by MSUD brought the game within one, 72-71, and with 1:13, the Roadrunners took the 76-75 lead. Mayo Harmon would hit one free throw, and after missing the second, Brown grabbed the offensive rebound, leading to an Egun layup and the Regis lead. Logan Threatt attempted a game-tying shot with three seconds left, but Trey Bryant swatted it, sealing the Ranger win.
"Our team showed great toughness in intensity tonight and really played all 40 minutes with intent. Our interior defense held strong against an excellent front line. That gave us a chance to win, and we found a way at the end," said Head Coach Brady Bergeson.
GAME NOTES
· Mayo Harmon led all players with 27 points, while Brown added 17 off the bench.
· Three Rangers grabbed four rebounds, and four dished three assists.
· Egun recorded four steals.
· Regis outshot MSUD from the floor, 52% - 46%, and from three, 52.5% - 35%.
UP NEXT
On Saturday, the Rangers welcome #7/#6 Colorado School of Mines, tipoff set for 3 pm.
