MOORHEAD, Minn. – MSU Denver played a strong first quarter against another ranked team, but couldn't maintain that level of play as the Roadrunners suffered a 72-46 defeat Friday to Nos. 18 and 22 Minnesota State-Moorhead.
 
"We were able to sustain that for a quarter, but then they upped their intensity and we sat back on our heels a little bit, and that got us," Metropolitan State University of Denver coach Tanya Haave said. "We had some spurts where we recovered a little bit, but we gave up too many offensive rebounds and had too many fouls – that and not shooting well really hurt us."
 
The Roadrunners (0-3), tied 13-13 after one quarter, shot just 28.8 percent from the field, including 3 of 20 (15 percent) from 3-point range. The wayward shooting, plus 15 offensive rebounds, helped Minnesota State-Moorhead compile a 53-28 rebounding advantage. The Dragons had 14 second-chance points, and also went to the free-throw line 26 times.
 
"They're a good team, no question, on their home floor," Haave said. "Their physicality affected us. We've got to be more physical. That's another learning experience for us."
 
Minnesota native Mariah Schroeder had a team-high 13 points while making 4 of 6 from the field and 4 of 6 from the free-throw line.
 
Jaela Richardson had 10 points, six rebounds and two steals, and Jaiden Galloway had six assists and five steals.
 
"Mariah is about the only one who shot well for us – we've got to be able to finish a little better," Haave said. "Jaiden had a good floor game, she tried to get to the rim and I liked her aggressiveness, she took some good shots and played good defense. We're asking a lot of her."
 
Schroeder, a junior, and Richardson, a redshirt freshman, are among four new starters for the Roadrunners, while Galloway has added responsibilities as in her second season as a starter.
 
MSU Denver plays St. Cloud State (Minn.) in the second-day of the tournament Saturday at 5 p.m. MST.
 
"It's baptism by fire for our players," Haave said.