DENVER – MSU Denver men's basketball went toe-to-toe with Fort Hays State for all 40 minutes, but a second-half surge by the Tigers proved to be just enough as the Roadrunners fell 68-64 on Thursday night at the Auraria Events Center.
The Roadrunners moved to 3-8 overall and 2-2 in RMAC play, while Fort Hays State improved to 7-3 on the season.
MSU Denver set the tone early, controlling the pace and holding the lead for much of the first half. The Roadrunners shot efficiently with timely perimeter shots, building a 34-26 advantage at the break. Logan Threatt led the way offensively in the opening 20 minutes as MSU Denver kept Fort Hays State from finding much rhythm early.
The momentum shifted coming out of halftime, as Fort Hays State heated up offensively and used an extended run to erase the deficit and create separation midway through the second half. The Tigers shot over 50 percent in the second period and leaned on Dan Mukuna, who scored consistently in the paint to help push the lead to double digits.
Despite the setback, the Roadrunners showed resilience down the stretch. MSU Denver tightened up defensively and clawed back with stops and transition opportunities, trimming the margin to just four points in the final seconds. A late three-pointer and an offensive tip-in made it a one-possession game before time ultimately ran out.
Threatt paced MSU Denver with 21 points, adding seven rebounds and four assists. Quave Propst-Allison finished with 11 points and three assists, while Amare Bethel provided a spark off the bench with 10 points.
Inside, Brian Unachukwu chipped in six points and six rebounds, and Daniel Thomason added six points, five rebounds, and three assists in a well-rounded effort.
MSU Denver won the rebounding battle 35-32 and finished with 25 bench points, underscoring the balanced contributions throughout the lineup, but Fort Hays State's efficiency in the second half ultimately made the difference.
The Roadrunners will look to carry their late-game momentum forward as they play again at home on Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. MT against Nebraska Kearney.
