Las Vegas, N.M- The Metropolitan State University of Denver men's basketball team defeated New Mexico Highlands 86-69. The Roadrunners improved to 11-6 overall and 7-4 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. New Mexico Highlands dropped to 6-7 overall and 4-7 in conference.
New Mexico Highlands kicked off the first half burying a three on its first possession to gain the first lead of the game. After another made Cowboy jumper, the Roadrunners answered back when junior
Brian Howard (Maywood, Ill./Saint Ignatius H.S.) scored a three to get the game started for the Roadrunners.
The Roadrunners continued to load the pressure on the Cowboys with junior
Sunday Dech (Perth, Australia/Churchlands H.S.) going 3-3 from beyond the arch early on to help the Roadrunners a 24-14 lead with just over nine minutes to go in the half. Howard and Dech combined for 20 of the first 24 points for the team.
The cowboys answered back by going on an 8-0 run cutting the lead down to 2. However, the Roadrunners continued the fight and went on 14-4 run to end the half 38-27.
Dech finished the first half posting a perfect 5-5 from downtown and scoring 17 points and adding 6 rebounds. Howard added 11 first half points for the Roadrunners.
The cowboys opened the first four minutes of the half going on a 10-2 run to bring the game within three at 40-37.
After a made three pointer five minutes into the second half the cowboys brought the game within one at 45-44. But the Roadrunners would go on a 18-0 run to regain control.
The Cowboys were able to cut the lead within 7, however the Roadrunners would finish on top 86-69.
The Roadrunners finished with four players in double figures. Howard led all scorers with 25. Dech completed a double double with 10 rebounds and 22 points going a perfect 6-6 from beyond the arch. Junior
Cameron Williams (Omaha, Neb./South High School ) finished with 17 and freshman Alex Williams added 11 points.
The Roadrunners travel to Colorado Mesa to face off against the Mavericks at 7 p.m. on Friday, January 20.
