LAS VEGAS, N.M. — MSU Denver closed strong down the stretch Thursday evening, riding a dominant scoring performance from Mikylah Espinosa and clutch late free throws to secure a hard-fought 62-58 conference win over New Mexico Highlands.
With the win, this moves the Roadrunners to an 8-11 overall record and 6-5 in RMAC play. MSU Denver is now in the playoff picture for the RMAC moving into seventh place, while New Mexico Highlands falls out of the picture in ninth place.
After a tightly contested first half, the Roadrunners flipped the momentum after the break, delivering decisive third and fourth-quarter stretches to take control. MSU Denver outscored the Cowgirls 30–22 in the second half, repeatedly getting to the foul line late and converting to keep the lead safe in the closing minutes.
Espinosa turned in a career night, pouring in a career-high 36 points — the most by a Roadrunner since she scored 34 during the 2023–24 season as a sophomore — and accounting for 36 of MSU Denver's 62 total points (58%).
The senior guard was highly efficient throughout, shooting 12-of-19 from the field and 10-of-13 from the free-throw line, including key makes in the final minutes that helped seal the outcome. Espinosa consistently created offense off the bounce and in transition as the Roadrunners leaned on her down the stretch.
Keira Mitchell anchored the defensive effort and the glass, posting a team and career-high 12 rebounds while adding three blocks, two steals, and six points. Her rim protection and rebounding presence proved critical during the late-game push as MSU Denver limited second-chance opportunities and forced tough looks.
Balanced support rounded out the win, with all five Roadrunners who scored finishing with six or more points. Timely stops, strong third-quarter execution, and composed free-throw shooting in the fourth quarter ultimately powered the Roadrunners to the Thursday night victory and another important RMAC result.
The Roadrunners will play again Saturday afternoon in another crucial RMAC game against Fort Lewis in Durango at 1 p.m. MT.
