DENVER — MSU Denver men's basketball earned its first ranked win of the season with a 77–73 victory over No. 11 Black Hills State on Saturday at the Auraria Events Center.
The Roadrunners improved to 5–9 overall and 3–3 in RMAC play, while handing the Yellow Jackets their first conference loss and snapping a 10-game winning streak. It also marked MSU Denver's first home RMAC win of the season and the program's first win over a ranked opponent since beating No. 17 Saint Martin's last year.
The game was tight from the opening tip, with both teams trading baskets throughout the first half. Black Hills State held a slim 39–35 lead at the break, but MSU Denver stayed within reach by shooting well from the perimeter and matching the Yellow Jackets' physical play inside.
The contest featured nine ties and 16 lead changes, showing how close it was all afternoon.
Momentum shifted early in the second half as the Roadrunners caught fire from three-point range. MSU Denver finished the game 11-of-17 from beyond the arc, a season-best 64 percent clip, which helped them take control during key stretches. Every time Black Hills State tried to pull away, the Roadrunners answered with timely shots and stops.
Garrett Falls led the way with 20 points, going 8-of-14 from the field and 3-of-4 from three-point range. Logan Threatt added 18 points, hit all six of his free throws, and chipped in three rebounds and two assists. Quave Propst-Allison scored 15 points while shooting a perfect 3-of-3 from deep and adding four rebounds and three assists. Brian Unachukwu anchored the defense with 10 rebounds and three blocks, helping protect the paint down the stretch.
Freshman Daniel Thomason hit a clutch three-pointer with 2:41 remaining in the contest to put MSU Denver up 71-70, where they would hold the lead the rest of the way against their familiar conference opponent.
The Roadrunners showed poise late, stayed aggressive, and closed out a nationally ranked opponent in front of the home crowd to earn a statement victory in RMAC play.
