Box Score GOLDEN, Colo. – Despite sensational scoring by
Mikylah Espinosa and a determined and inspirational effort from her and her MSU Denver teammates, the Roadrunners weren't quite able to spring a major upset Tuesday night in a 65-62 loss at Nos. 12 and 13 Colorado School of Mines.
It's the second time this season that MSU Denver took Mines to the final seconds. Mines' Ashley Steffeck was awarded two free throws with three seconds left in the Dec. 13 meeting, making both for a one-point win. This time,
trailing by one point with 10 seconds left, Espinosa didn't get a foul call on her drive to the basket.
"We had a good look at the end with Mikylah," MSU Denver coach
Tanya Haave said. "We just have to finish it when it comes down the end. Or we have to get a stop or make a play."
The Roadrunners still had a few more chances.
Steffeck made 1 of 2 free throws with seven seconds left, but MSU Denver's long inbounds pass went out of bounds for a turnover.
Mines' Emma Sixta made the first of two free throws with five seconds to go, but Sixta got the offensive rebound. Fouled again, Sixta missed both free throws with three seconds left, but MSU Denver could try only a halfcourt shot.
Espinosa was scintillating while scoring 34 points, including back-to-back 3-pointers that capped a personal 8-0 run and got MSU Denver within 59-57 with 3:58 left.
Amanda Byrnes' basket got the Roadrunners back within 61-59 and then, after
Brianna Sealy made the first of two free throws, Byrnes got the rebound and scored with 1:38 left to give MSU Denver a 62-61 lead.
The teams exchanged empty possessions before Mines scored the go-ahead basket for a 64-63 lead with 16.4 seconds to play. Espinosa's drive then set up an even wilder final 10 seconds.
"We battled back from 10 down in the fourth quarter, so from a competing standpoint, this is really great," Haave said. "What we talked about is that what we need to get over the top is the consistency of executing, not only during games but in practice.
"They've been resilient and will continue to be resilient. From a battling standpoint, we're very pleased."
Espinosa's scoring outburst, the third-highest individual total in program history, was the most by an MSU Denver player since Jaelynn Smith's legendary 36-point explosion in a win over Colorado Mesa on Dec. 15, 2018. Including Espinosa's fourth quarter Saturday against Regis, she has now scored 50 points in her last five quarters against the best two teams in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. She also had eight rebounds.
"Mikylah was great for us," Haave said. "That's what she's capable of doing. She's got that hesitation (move), she can make the 3, and she's fearless."
Sealy had a double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds while also adding three assists, two blocked shots and three steals.
"Bri Sealy was very good, and so was Amanda," Haave said.
Dating to last season, MSU Denver has lost its last four games with Mines by a combined total of 13 points – including three by three points or less. Steffeck has shot 46 free throws in those games, including 12 Tuesday (she made 11) while scoring 23 points.
MSU Denver dropped to 3-13 overall and 2-9 in the RMAC, while Mines is 16-2 and 11-1.
"We're just going to keep plugging along," Haave said. "That's a top 15-team in the country. This team has gone through the gauntlet, playing the top three teams in the league in the last five days. We're progressing together, and staying together, helping one another from the bench. We're very pleased with the effort, the attitude and the competitiveness."
