DENVER — MSU Denver welcomed the home crowd back in style on Tuesday evening, pulling away late to earn an 83–73 victory over Regis at the Auraria Event Center in the "Welcome Back" game.
Despite a red-hot shooting performance from the Rangers beyond the arc, the Roadrunners' balance, defensive pressure, and late-game execution proved too much, improving MSU Denver to 6-11 overall.
The game was tightly contested early, with Regis repeatedly answering MSU Denver runs behind a flurry of three-pointers. The Rangers connected on 15 shots from deep and kept the contest close through three quarters, leading to six ties and 10 lead changes. Still, the Roadrunners never lost composure and entered the fourth quarter with momentum.
MSU Denver asserted control in the final 10 minutes, shooting over 63 percent from the field in the fourth quarter while forcing key turnovers that turned into transition opportunities. A late surge extended the lead into double digits as the Roadrunners closed the night strong in front of the home fans.
Nevaeh Millard led the Roadrunners with 20 points, adding three steals, two rebounds, and steady defensive pressure throughout the game.
Brooklynn Jones provided a spark off the bench, tying her season high with 14 points on an efficient 4-for-5 shooting from three, while also pulling down four rebounds. Jones led the team with nine points at halftime as MSU Denver weathered Regis' early shooting barrage.
Mikylah Espinosa delivered an all-around performance, scoring 14 points on 6-of-10 shooting while dishing out seven assists, grabbing five rebounds, and contributing a steal and a block. Madi Johnson continued her strong stretch with her second straight game in double figures, finishing with 12 points, knocking down three three-pointers, and adding five steals, four rebounds, and four assists.
Rounding out the balanced effort, Jadyn Watts chipped in 10 points, while Keira Mitchell was perfect from the floor, scoring six points and leading the team with seven rebounds.
With five players scoring in double figures and a decisive late push, MSU Denver turned back Regis' perimeter attack to earn their fourth RMAC win of the campaign.
MSU Denver will play Colorado School of Mines in Golden on Saturday afternoon, at 1 p.m. MT for their next contest.
