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DENVER, Colo. - Metro State committed a season-low seven turnovers as the host Roadrunners defeated Nebraska-Kearney 63-54 to move into sole possession of third place in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference East Division on Saturday. Metro State improved to 14-11 overall and 9-8 in the RMAC, while UNK fell to 9-15 overall and 8-9 in the RMAC.

Kristin Valencia (Moriarty, N.M./Moriarty H.S.) led all scorers with 15 points, three short of a career high, and pulled down five rebounds. She helped Metro State outscore the Lopers 36-20 in the paint.

Candice Kohn (Midland, Texas/Midland Christian H.S.) poured in 13 points, hitting 6-of-11 from the floor and had four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Leandra Sands (Long Beach, Calif./Long Beach Wilson H.S.) reached double digits in scoring for the first time since Dec. 31 as she is just five games removed from an injury. She scored 11 points, hitting 3-of-4 from the outside. Emily Wood (Louisville, Colo./Monarch H.S.) and Jasmine Cervantes (Johnstown, Colo./Berthoud H.S.) scored six each and Brandi Valencia (Moriarty, N.M./Moriarty H.S.) added five.

The Roadrunners were in rhythm offensively, dishing out 17 assists on 26 field goals as they shot 44.8 percent and 5-of-13 from the outside. They also held a 31-27 rebounding advantage and forced 15 turnovers.

The Lopers jumped out to a 12-2 lead five minutes into the game, but Metro State steadily crept back into the game and tied the score at 19-19 with just under five minutes left in the half. They took a 27-24 lead into the break as Kristin Valencia (Moriarty, N.M./Moriarty H.S.) scored a layup with 12 seconds remaining.

Metro State built its lead to 12 points at 41-29 with 13:53 to play as Valencia scored again. However, the Roadrunners went cold, scoring two points over the next five minutes as UNK cut the lead to 43-42 with 9:28 left.

A 3-pointer by Sands with 2:18 to play put Metro State back in front by 10 points at 59-49, helping seal the win for the Roadrunners.

They will host Regis on Tuesday at 5 p.m. That game and the men's game following will be broadcast live on Mile High Sports Radio at 1510 AM.