Box Score DENVER - No. 1 Metro State survived a tough effort from Chadron State for a 63-51 road win to improve to 18-0 this season. CSC fell to 1-17 overall and 1-13 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.

In an effort to spark several of the team's regulars, the Roadrunners put out a new-look lineup for much of the game as Jamal McClerkin (Van Nuys, Calif./Chaminade College Prep), Jourdon Hunter (Denver, Colo./Kennedy H.S.) and Derrick January (Long Beach, Calif./Dominguez H.S.) all made their first starts of the season. Metro State got the defensive effort it wanted, outrebounding the Eagles 29-23 and forcing 24 turnovers.

Offensively, it was Jonathan Morse (Boulder, Colo./Fairview H.S.) leading the way with 16 points and four rebounds. The senior hit 5-of-10 from the floor and 6-of-8 at the line. The freshman Hunter scored a season-high nine points and had three assists. January and Mitch McCarron (Brisbane, Australia/Genesis Christian College) each scored eight points and Nicholas Kay (Tamworth, Australia/Newington College) and DeShawn Phenix (Fort Worth, Texas/North Crowley H.S.) each had seven. January also had a game-high eight rebounds.

MSU led just 34-27 at halftime, but built a 15-point lead midway through the second half. However, a spirited comeback from the home team cut that lead to 52-49 with 3:50 left on a pair of free throws.

Morse hit three free throws and McCarron hit a jumper to quickly stretch that lead back to eight points over the next minute as MSU held on late. A tight Roadrunners defense held the Eagles to 0-of-4 shooting and three turnovers in the final four minutes.

Metro State will play at Black Hills State at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.