DENVER – There's a big pack fighting for third through 11^th place in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference women's basketball.

And MSU Denver is right in the middle of it.

"The great thing is that everything is in our control," Metropolitan State University of Denver coach Tanya Haave said. "Everything is right there in front of us and we're in control of our own destiny. We don't have to depend on anybody else.

"I think the players understand that. They reacted very well. They've had some good energy at practice. They've responded appropriately to what we need to do."

Though the Roadrunners lost twice on the road last weekend, their previous six-game winning streak put them in good enough shape to still come out of it at 10-7 overall and tied for sixth place with Western State Colorado.

Colorado School of Mines and the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs – the teams that picked up home wins over the Roadrunners last weekend after losing to MSU Denver at the Auraria Events Center two weeks earlier – are part of a three-way tie for third with Colorado State University-Pueblo at 11-6.

Right behind those teams are Black Hills State and Colorado Christian at 9-8, while Dixie State and Regis are still in contention at 8-9.

With five games left in the regular season, it's worth noting that three of those teams won't make the eight-team RMAC tournament. And the top four teams (likely to include Colorado Mesa and Westminster, both 16-1) earn first-round home games.

So it will be big when Black Hills State comes to the Auraria Event Center for a 5:30 p.m. game Friday. South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (5-12 in the RMAC) invades Saturday at 4 p.m.

"Any game this time of year … Black Hills is in the same boat, looking to get some momentum," Haave said. "We have to have the right mindset and come ready to play."

Friday's game is a Play 4 Kay/Think Pink Night, with the Roadrunners wearing pink warmups for cancer awareness. To donate, visit Roadrunnersathletics.com/Play4Kay. Be sure to enter "Play4Kay" in the comments box when making your donation.

It's also Homecoming Weekend for all MSU Denver athletics program.

Two weeks ago, the Roadrunners ventured into South Dakota and came away with wins of 70-38 over Mines and 69-54 over Black Hills State to run their season-best winning streak to six games.

But revenge-minded teams got their payback last weekend in losses to UCCS (84-69) and Colorado School of Mines (69-63).

"Even though they were shorter road trips, road games, it's still nice to get home and play on your home floor," Haave said. "We're looking forward to getting back on track. UCCS played extremely well, and Mines played well on its home floor, too."

Jaelynn Smith (Denver, Colo./East) continues to lead the Roadrunners as the only player in NCAA Division II to average at least 15.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 1.8 steals. She leads the RMAC in free throws made and attempted and is the league-leader in assists. But the Roadrunners have had multiple strong performances on any given night, particularly by All-RMAC candidate Emily Hartegan (Wylie, Texas/Wylie East).

After being 0-4, 3-8 and 5-10 at various points of the season, the 11-12 Roadrunners appear to be finishing strong.

"I think January is a tough month for everybody," Haave said. "But mid-February now, we're getting close to March, we're in the playoff hunt … it's exciting. Practices are short, sweet and sharp. It's a great time of year to be playing basketball."