ELLENSBURG, Wash. – Morgan Griego scored 14 points in her season debut and Jaela Richardson came off the bench for 12 points, nine rebounds and three blocked shots as MSU Denver defeated Seattle Pacific 60-55 Friday in women's college basketball.
 
The Roadrunners (3-1) trailed 32-25 at halftime before rallying.
 
"Overall, it was a gritty team victory, especially after a first half where we wanted to force Seattle Pacific to shoot and beat us from the 3, and they ended up shooting 7-14 and scoring 21 of their 32 from the three in the first half," MSU Denver coach Tanya Haave, said, referring to the Falcons, who were shooting 24 percent from 3 coming into the game.

"We picked up our defensive pressure and limited them to just 3-15 from the three in the second half.  I also thought our post defense really limited the effectiveness of their post game.  Offensively, we took another step towards better spacing, timing and rhythm which will continue to give us confidence."
 
Griego made 6 of 9 from the field.
 
Allie Navarette added nine points and six rebounds, and Kendra Parra had a team-high eight rebounds.
 
MSU Denver plays again Saturday against host Central Washington at 5 p.m. MST.