Box Score DENVER - No. 5 Metro State defeated Minot State (N.D.) 75-54 on Friday night in its season opener, using a 30-5 run in the second half to pull away.  It was the 17th consecutive home-opener that ended in victory for the Roadrunners.

They were led by Mitch McCarron (Brisbane, Australia/Genesis Christian College) and his 21 points in his career debut. He shot 8-of-11 from the floor and had seven rebounds and two assists. Jonathan Morse (Boulder, Colo./Fairview H.S.) also had his first double-double of the season and his 23rd of his career, finishing with 12 points and 10 rebounds on 4-of-6 shooting. He also blocked three shots.

Demetrius Miller (Flint, Mich./Flint Central H.S.) and Brandon Jefferson (Flower Mound, Texas/Lewisville H.S.) also had 11 points each as 10 different players scored for the Roadrunners.

Despite hitting just 22-of-39 (.564) at the line, Metro State shot 52.2 percent from the floor and held the Beavers to 31.5 percent shooting, including 3-of-19 (.158) from the outside.

The Beavers were led by Chris East and his 10 points and nine rebounds.

The Roadrunners started the game strong with an early 13-point lead. But Minot State rallied to trim its halftime deficit to just 35-29.

The Beavers cut their deficit to two points with 17 minutes left in the game, but a 30-5 run put Metro State in front 67-40 with 5:32 to play after a pair of free throws by Miller.

The Roadrunners will be back in action next Friday at No. 11 Winona State (Minn.) at 7 p.m. (CDT).