by Michael Rowse

The No. 2 ranked Metro State University Denver Roadrunners proved to be worthy of their ranking as they defeated the Western New Mexico University men’s basketball team, 92-61, Saturday night in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference action.

Western New Mexico University (WNMU) tallied their first points over a minute in on a layup from Lucio Luttrell that left Metro State University Denver (MSUD) ahead by one, 3-2. Later, Chad Carter helped pull WNMU (4-8, 3-5 RMAC) back within three with a jumper at the 17:30 mark.

MSUD (11-0, 7-0 RMAC) would push the lead to 11, 18-7, over the next three minutes. The Mustangs would cut the deficit under 10 a couple of times, with the last coming at the 14:37 mark after Juan Suarez hit a pair from the free throw line leaving the Roadrunners ahead, 19-11.

MSUD kept the pressure up and took a 55-26 lead into the locker room.

WNMU put together a 7-0 run near the midway point of the second half with Luttrell connecting on a three, which Merle Branch added to that with a layup and then a jumper.  Branch ended up leading the Mustangs with 12, followed by 11 from Chad Arechiga.  Brandon Jefferson led MSUD and all-scorers with 20.

MSUD shot 50.7 percent (36-71) from the field, while WNMU made 20-of-53 (37.7). WNMU held a 10-5 advantage in made three-pointers, while the Roadrunners made four more free throws (15-11).

WNMU will remain on the road next Friday when they will travel to Alamosa, Colo., to battle Adams State University beginning at 7:30 p.m.