DENVER - In a back-and-forth contest featuring nine ties and 10 lead changes, MSU Denver was unable to hold off Chadron State, falling 60-55 on Thursday night.
 
Despite a strong third quarter surge, the Roadrunners struggled to close out the game, scoring just 11 points in the final period while the Eagles capitalized from the free-throw line to seal the win.
 
Ashlyn Yow led MSU Denver with 12 points on 5-of-10 shooting, adding three assists and two rebounds. Brianna Sealy contributed eight points and six rebounds, while Jackie Pippett and Brooklynn Jones each chipped in eight points of their own.
 
Chadron State was paced by Ashayla Powers, who dominated inside with 18 points and seven rebounds, and Megan Counts added 16 points and five boards.
 
The Roadrunners shot 35.5% from the field and struggled from beyond the arc, making just 4-of-19 three-pointers (21.1%). Chadron State fared even worse from deep at 14.3% (3-of-21) but made up for it by converting 21-of-29 free throws, compared to MSU Denver's 7-of-12 performance from the line.
 
After trailing 28-26 at halftime, the Roadrunners used a strong third quarter to take a 44-43 lead heading into the final period. However, the Eagles outscored MSU Denver 17-11 in the fourth, hitting key free throws down the stretch to escape with the win.
 
MSU Denver (6-17 overall, 5-10 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference) will look to get back in the win column when they take on South Dakota Mines on Saturday, February 15 at 1 p.m. for Senior Day.
 
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