COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The University of Colorado Colorado Springs women's basketball team defeated MSU Denver 72-55 at home Saturday afternoon, claiming the first home court win over the Roadrunners since 2019.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP
- Final Score: UCCS 72, MSUD 55
- Records: UCCS (10-6, 6-2 RMAC) | MSUD (5-12, 3-5 RMAC)
- Facility | Location: Gallogly Events Center | Colorado Springs, Colo.
- All-Time Series: UCCS is 14-44 all-time against MSU Denver.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Mikylah Espinosa started MSU Denver off strong with a layup just 30 seconds after tip-off. Amyah Moore Allen quickly responded by assisting Ayianna Johnson for a layup of her own. UCCS went on a 6-0 scoring run, putting the Roadrunners behind by four points. With six minutes remaining in the first quarter, Rylie Ottmann buried her first three-point bucket. MSU Denver countered with a three-point basket from Brooklynn Jones, closing the gap to two points. Breelyn Robinson and Moore Allen each secured a layup before the break to put the Mountain Lions ahead 15-9.
- In an attempt to gain the Roadrunners some much-needed momentum, Keira Mitchell converted a layup followed by Neveah Millards' three-pointer shortly after the second quarter began. Johnson re-entered the game and scored two layups within 40 seconds of each other, causing MSU Denver to trail by five points. With one minute remaining before halftime, Gia Bradley secured her first bucket of the afternoon, earning the Mountain Lions a 32-27 lead headed into the third quarter.
- UCCS kicked off the second half with a 5-0 scoring run, but it was cut short by Jayden Watts' converted layup. Moments later, Bradley buried a three-point shot to give the Mountain Lions a comfortable 45-33 lead. Brynae Stewart checked into the game with two minutes left before the break and had an immediate impact, collecting four points for UCCS and putting the Roadrunners behind by seven points.
- The Mountain Lions opened the final quarter with a 6-0 scoring run, four points of which Johnson secured. Espinosa converted a layup and two free throws in an effort to cut UCCS' 13-point advantage but was unable to get MSU Denver ahead as the Mountain Lions earned nine points in the final four minutes of the game. Moore Allen scored her 25th point of the afternoon with 40 seconds left on the scoreboard, effectively banking UCCS' 10th victory of the season.
GAME STATISTICS
- Moore Allen's 25 points marked a game high as she netted 9-of-15 field goals and 7-of-9 free throws. The redshirt senior guard also tallied six rebounds, five steals, and three assists.
- Ayiana Johnson hit 7-of-18 field goals and 8-of-10 free throws as part of her 22 points. She also chipped in four rebounds and two steals.
- Six of Rylie Ottmann's eight points came from three-point range as she also stole the ball three times and pulled down five rebounds.
- UCCS made 45.6 percent from the floor (26-of-57) and 81 percent from the charity stripe (17-of-21).
- The Mountain Lions forced the Roadrunners to turn the ball over 26 times and scored 27 points off those turnovers. UCCS held the advantage in the paint, outscoring MSU Denver 42-18, and on the fast break, 10-5.
- The Roadrunners were led by Madison Johnson's 15 points and five steals.
BEYOND THE BOX
- Today's win marked the Mountain Lions fourth straight win and their longest winning streak this season.
- UCCS stole the ball a season high 16 times against the Roadrunners.
- Johnson's 18 field goals and 10 free throws attempted marked season highs.
- Moore Allen moved into the top-10 in the UCCS career record books in both steals and assists after today's game. She is ranked ninth (tied) all-time with 185 assists, and she is tied for 10th all-time in steals with 160.
UP NEXT
- UCCS will travel to Las Vegas, N.M. to battle New Mexico Highlands at 5 p.m. on Thursday, January 22 at the NMHU John A. Wilson Complex.
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As a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, the University of Colorado Colorado Springs competes in 14 varsity sports in NCAA Division II intercollegiate athletics.
