DENVER, Colo. – The MSU Denver men's basketball team saw a late rally come up just short in its Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference opener, falling 81-76 to Fort Lewis on Wednesday night at Hamilton Gymnasium on the campus of the University of Denver. The Roadrunners moved to 1-6 overall and 0-1 in RMAC play, while Fort Lewis improved to 3-4 overall and 1-0 in conference action. 

MSU Denver trailed by as many as 12 points in the second half before mounting a late push that brought the Roadrunners within three points twice in the final minute. 

Freshman Nate Francis drilled a three-pointer with six seconds remaining to cut the deficit to 79-76, but Fort Lewis sealed the game at the free-throw line to escape with the narrow victory.

Quave Propst-Allison led all Roadrunners with 18 points, knocking down a career-high four three-pointers while also dishing out a season-best six assists. The senior has now reached double figures in six of MSU Denver's seven games this season.

Francis delivered a breakout performance off the bench, finishing with a career-high 12 points while connecting on four three-pointers. His late shooting surge was key in MSU Denver's effort to close the gap in the final minutes.

Brian Unachukwu continued his strong defensive stretch, recording multiple blocks for the fourth straight game while adding nine points and six rebounds inside. Garrett Falls chipped in 11 points, and Daniel Thomason added nine points and five rebounds in the loss.

MSU Denver shot 45.6 percent from the field and 39.4 percent from beyond the arc, knocking down 13 three-pointers on the night. The Roadrunners trailed 31-33 at halftime before Fort Lewis gradually built its second-half advantage.

The Roadrunners return to Auraria for their next contest on Sunday, hosting Adams State at 2 p.m. as they look to bounce back in RMAC play.