SALT LAKE CITY – MSU Denver came up just short Friday night in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference men's basketball opener, falling 56-55 at Westminster.
 
Maris Colton hit 3 of 4 free throw attempts with 39.9 seconds left to cut the Roadrunners' deficit from four points to 56-55, but the Roadrunners were unable to score on any of their final three possessions, missing on two 3-point attempts and another shot in the lane.
 
Tyrei Randall scored 17 points for MSU Denver, while Tonje Durham had 11 points. Laolu Oke added eight points and a career-high 13 rebounds. 
 
Though shooting just 27.4 percent from the field, MSU Denver stayed in the game by grabbing 15 offensive rebounds and making 14 free throws, while Westminster connected on just 4 of 25 (16 percent) from 3-point range and on just 50 percent (10 of 20) at the free throw line. The Griffins made just 38.2 percent from the field overall.
 
"I couldn't be more proud of the way we defended," MSU Denver coach Michael Bahl said. "That's Roadrunner basketball.
 
"And on the flip side, we took the shots we wanted to take, and I have 100 percent confidence in our players in taking and making those shots. If we can guard and play with that type of effort every night, we will like the results most nights." 
 
The Roadrunners trailed 16-7 midway through the first half, but scored eight straight points to get back in it. Randall scored the final five points of the opening frame to get MSU Denver within 28-27 with a 3 just before the buzzer.
 
Then Durham hit a 3 early in the second half to put MSU Denver ahead 30-28 and another for a 33-30 lead.
 
Oke's steal and layup gave MSU Denver a 47-46 lead with 7:46 left, but Westminster quickly regained the lead and held a 56-49 lead with 1:46 to go before the Roadrunners' full-court press helped spark a comeback.
 
Kobe Sanders' 3 cut the deficit to 56-52 with 1:05 left, then Colton's free throws made it a one-point game.
 
The Roadrunners play again Saturday at Colorado Mesa, with a 7:30 p.m. tip.