GOLDEN, Colo. – The MSU Denver men's basketball team opened its 2026-27 campaign with a hard-fought battle against Lubbock Christian on Friday night, coming up just short in a 79-77 overtime heartbreaker at Lockridge Arena.
Facing a Lubbock Christian squad receiving votes in the national poll, the Roadrunners showed plenty of fight in their season opener, matching the Chaparrals throughout a tightly contested matchup. MSU Denver erased a late deficit in regulation to force overtime before narrowly falling in the extra period.
Coban Porter made an immediate impact in his Roadrunner debut, leading MSU Denver with 16 points on 5-of-11 shooting, including two three-pointers. Brian Unachukwu added 13 points on an efficient 5-of-6 from the field, along with three rebounds, two assists and a block.
Justin Mack also reached double figures with 10 points, leading the Roadrunners with five rebounds and four assists. Amare Bethel contributed nine points off the bench, while Elijah Mack added eight. In total, 10 different Roadrunners found the scoring column, with six players recording at least seven points.
MSU Denver came out firing in the first half, shooting 66.7 percent from the field and 80 percent from beyond the arc. The Roadrunners and Chaparrals were tied 29-29 at the break, setting the stage for a competitive second half.
The teams continued trading baskets after halftime, with neither side able to create much separation. Lubbock Christian held a 67-64 advantage with under a minute remaining in regulation, but the Roadrunners refused to go away. Unachukwu converted a pair of fast-break free throws to cut the deficit to three before Porter knocked down a clutch three-pointer with 28 seconds remaining to even the score at 67-67. The Chaparrals were unable to convert on their final possession, sending the game to overtime.
MSU Denver carried that momentum into the extra period, briefly taking a 76-74 lead after Porter converted two free throws with just over two minutes remaining. Lubbock Christian responded to regain the advantage, and the Roadrunners were unable to find the tying basket in the closing moments as the Chaparrals escaped with the 79-77 victory.
The Roadrunners finished the night shooting 51.1 percent from the field and 35 percent from three-point range. Their 38 bench points also provided a major contribution in a game that featured 15 ties and 13 lead changes.
Despite the season-opening loss, MSU Denver showed its ability to compete against a nationally recognized opponent and will have another opportunity to earn its first win Saturday night.
The Roadrunners return to Lockridge Arena in Golden for a matchup against St. Mary's on Saturday at 5 p.m. as they look to close out their opening weekend with a victory.
