GUNNISON, COLO. - The MSU Denver Roadrunners struggled offensively, falling 74-49 to Western Colorado on the road on Saturday afternoon.
 
Western Colorado established control early, jumping out to a 20-10 lead by the end of the first quarter. The Roadrunners attempted to fight back in the second period, outscoring the Mountaineers 16-14, but still trailed 34-26 at halftime.
 
The second half proved challenging for the Roadrunners as Western Colorado turned up the pressure. The Mountaineers outscored MSU Denver 18-9 in the third quarter and 22-14 in the fourth to seal the victory.
 
MSU Denver shot just 30.0% from the field (18-of-60) and struggled from beyond the arc, hitting only 3-of-19 attempts (15.8%). Laci Roffle led the Roadrunners with 11 points off the bench, while Stella Rollo added nine points. Nevaeh Millard and Brooklynn Jones each chipped in seven.
 
The Roadrunners managed to score 26 points in the paint and had 12 fast break points but were hurt by 11 turnovers that led to 20 points for Western Colorado.
 
Western Colorado displayed an efficient offensive performance, shooting 48.1% from the field (26-of-54) and connecting on 13-of-30 (43.3%) from three-point range. The Mountaineers also controlled the boards, outrebounding MSU Denver 48-29.
 
MSU Denver (6-16 overall, 5-9 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference) will return home next week for a pair of game against Chadron State and South Dakota Mines on Thursday, February 13, and Saturday, February 15, respectively.
 
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