DENVER, Colo. – The Regis University Men's Basketball team battled the University of Texas-Tyler on Friday night, but lost in their home opener, 72-65. The Rangers fall to 0-3 on the year, while the Patriots start the season, 1-0.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Logan Flores-Peoples found Aaron Ofstun for the Rangers' first basket, and after Gunner Walters hit a three, Ofstun scored in the paint off an offensive board t tie the game at 10-10. A layup from Luke Soden and a triple from Matt Yost helped give Regis their first lead of the game, 18-17. Three free throws from Flores-Peoples pushed the advantage to eight points, but from there, despite a dunk by Myles Shields and a Soden block, Tyler was able to tie the game, 27-27 going into halftime.

Quinn Lambert scored on back-to-back possessions early in the second half. Shields hit from deep, then a Soden block led to a Shields layup, tying the game at 37-37. While Cooper Frith was able to score on consecutive possessions, the Patriots went on a run, building a 57-44 lead. Walters ended the streak with a three, and scored seven straight points for RU, while Soden caught fire late in the game. Soden hit a triple, then converted a layup, and added another three. His third three in the final minutes brought the game within five, but the rally bid ended there, RU falling, 72-65.

GAME NOTES

·         Soden posted a game-high 17 points

·         Walters added 13 points, five rebounds, and five assists

·         Matt Yost grabbed seven rebounds

·         Soden also recorded two blocks and one steal

·         John Barbee matched the game-high 17 points off the bench for UTT

·         Regis had more second chance points (15-12) and shot better from deep 7-20 (35%) – 6-18 (33.3%)

·         UTT shot better from the floor 41.5%-40.7%

UP NEXT

The Rangers return to action on Saturday, November 22, hosting University of Texas-Dallas with tip-off set for 2 pm.