Commerce, Texas- The Metropolitan State University of Denver competed in its first game of the 2017-18 season against Texas A&M Commerce.  The Roadrunners fell 67-70 to the Lions.

MSU Denver was led by Senior Georgia Ohrdorf (Wollongong, Australia/St. Mary Star of the Sea College) with 19 points and 8 rebounds. Senior Mikala Gordon finishing with 12 for the Roadrunners going 2-3 from behind the arch. Junior Emily Hartegan (Wylie, Texas/Wylie East H.S.) finished the game with 10 points and seven boards. 
 
The Roadrunner got off to a strong start with Senior Georgia Ohrdorf (Wollongong, Australia/St. Mary Star of the Sea College) and junior Emily Hartegan (Wylie, Texas/Wylie East H.S.) combining for the first six points of the game to give the Roadrunners an early 6-0 lead.  But the Lions were quick to respond scoring the next six points to tie it back up at six.
 
The score remained close through much of the quarter, but the Roadrunners came out on top in the first quarter holding a 15-12 lead.
 
Following a made layup from the Lions to begin the second quarter to cut the lead to one, senior Mikala Gordon (Pueblo, Colo./Pueblo H.S.) answered back scoring a three-pointer for the Roadrunners. The remainder of the quarter was a back and forth battle, but the Roadrunner help on to their lead and would lead by one at half with a score of 27-26.
 
The Roadrunners posted 44.4 field goal percentage in the first half and held the Lions to 35.7 percent.
 
MSU Denver came out strong to begin the third quarter with Gordon firing another three for the Roadrunners to extend their lead to four.  However, after a 6-0 run the Lions were able to take their first lead of the game since the first quarter.
 
The Lions were able to keep the lead for the rest of the third quarter leading by as many as five.  The score heading into the fourth was 49-45 in favor of the Lions.
 
Commerce continued the momentum into the final quarter of the game taking an eight point lead with 6:55 remaining.
 
The Roadrunners kicked it into gear for a great fight for a comeback, tying the game up at 61 with 2:54 left in the game.
 
The game remained even for the following minute, but the Lions were able to take another three-point lead with 1:18 to go.
 
Junior Jaelynn Smith (Denver, Colo./East H.S.) brought the game within one with 15 seconds after a steal and a made layup.
 
The Lions were able to sink the remaining free throws to win the game 67-70.
 
The Roadrunners will take on Lubbock Christian tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. CT.