Box Score ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - No. 7 Metro State suffered a 66-55 loss at Missouri Western on Saturday to open the 2012-13 season. After losing its Sweet Sixteen game to end 2011-12, MSU has lost back-to-back games for the first time since 2009-10.

The Griffons led nearly the entire game, building a 33-21 halftime lead after Metro State shot 27.6 percent in the first half.

MWSU took its largest lead of the game at 17 points with 14:12 left in the game, a 47-30 lead. The Griffons maintained that lead with under 12 minutes left.

The Roadrunners fought back with a 10-1 run to cut the deficit to 61-55 with three minutes left. But Metro State went scoreless in its final four possessions and was outrebounded 8-1 in the final 2:30. MSU led all of Division II in rebounding margin last season, but was outrebounded 49-37 on Saturday.

Cassie Lambrecht (Colorado Springs/Golden H.S.) shot 5-of-10 and led the Roadrunners with 13 points. Emily Wood (Louisville, Colo./Monarch H.S.) added nine points and Kya DeGarmo (Albuquerque, N.M./Eldorado H.S.) and Brandi Valencia (Moriarty, N.M./Moriarty H.S.) each had eight. Kristin Valencia (Moriarty, N.M./Moriarty H.S.) had 12 rebounds and six points.

JaQuitta Dever led the Griffons with 18 points and Heather Howard had 15 points and 13 rebounds.

MSU shot just 33.3 percent in the game and 9-of-18 at the free throw line.

The Roadrunners will host Lubbock Christian (Texas) at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 16.