Box Score DENVER- Metro State won its first exhibition game of the season on Friday as the Roadrunners defeated MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.) 61-53.  The game was played at Regis University in the Regis Tournament. 

Metro State was led by Amy Nelson (Richmond, Utah/Sky View H.S.) and Elena Velasquez (Albuquerque, N.M./Sandia H.S.) with 13 points each.  The major difference in the game was Metro State shot 87.5 percent (14-of-16) from the line while MidAmerica Nazarene shot 36.8 percent (7-of-19). 

In the first half, Metro State came out of the gate strong as it led 6-0 with 17:06 left in the half.  However, MidAmerica Nazarene scored six unanswered points to tie the game up at 6-6 with 15:19 left. 

Metro State fought back and was able to push the lead to eight points with 3:48 left in the half.  MidAmerica Nazarene however closed out the half on a 7-2 run to cut the halftime lead to 32-29 in favor of the Roadrunners.

Overall for the first half, Metro State shot 44.0 percent (11-for-25) while MidAmerica Nazarene shot 43.5 percent (10-for-23).  Metro State led the rebounding contest as it outrebounded MidAmerica Nazarene 17-13 in the half. 

In the second half, Metro State came out strong as it was able to go on a 10-5 run to push its lead to eight points.  However, MidAmerica Nazarene made another run to cut Metro State's lead to only 53-51 with 4:58 left in the game.

That was as close as MidAmerica Nazarene was able to get as Metro State closed the game out on a 8-2 run to make the final score 61-53. 

Overall for the game Metro State shot 34.0 percent (18-for-53) while MidAmerica Nazarene shot 40.0 percent (18-for-45).  Metro State won the rebounding battle 38-34 and the turnover margin at +5 (16 to 21). 

Metro State will be back in action on Saturday morning when it takes on Grand View University (Iowa) at 11:45 in another exhibition game.