Box Score

DENVER, Colo. - Alyssa Benson (Eden Prairie, Minn./Minnetonka H.S.) scored a game-high 16 points for Metro State as the Roadrunners downed Colorado Mines, 59-37, at the Auraria Event Center tonight. Kristin Valencia (Moriarty, N.M./Moriarty H.S.) added a game-high 11 rebounds to pace Metro State.

It was the first time since Jan. 31, 2008, that Metro State allowed less than 40 points in a game.  In that game, the Roadrunners defeated Chadron State 54-37 on the road.

Benson's 16 points tied a season high as she made 6-of-8 from the floor, including 2-of-3 from the outside off the bench.

Valencia also had four points, three assists and two steals.  Her sister Brandi Valencia (Moriarty, N.M./Moriarty H.S.) added 15 points and four rebounds.  Jasmine Cervantes (Johnstown, Colo./Berthoud H.S.) had 10 points and nine rebounds.

The Roadrunners held the lead from the start of the game and led 29-21 at halftime behind nine points from Brandi Valencia (Moriarty, N.M./Moriarty H.S.) and eight from Cervantes.

Benson caught fire early in the second half and led a 16-0 run over eight minutes to give the Roadrunners a 55-31 lead with 5:50 left to play.  She had 11 second-half points, hitting all four of her shot attempts.

Angie Charchalis led the Orediggers with 10 points. Metro State improved to 11-7 overall and 6-4 in the RMAC, while Colorado Mines fell to 11-7 and 6-4.

Metro State hosts Colorado Christian at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 30.