DENVER, Colo. --- Minnesota State's second half comeback fell short Saturday evening as it was bested by MSU Denver 75-72.

With the loss, the Mavericks drop to 2-4 on the season, while the Roadrunners improve to 3-2.

The first half saw the Mavericks control the pace early on as they jumped out to a 10-2 lead in the first three minutes. Senior Cameron Kirksey notched seven of MSU's first 10 points, while senior Kevin Krieger notched a three pointer as well. MSU Denver was able to cut into the Mavericks' lead and managed to knot up the score at 19-19 with 9:09 to go in the half.

The Roadrunners then went on a 16-3 run over the next five minutes to go up 35-21. The Mavericks managed to get back within six of the Roadrunners at 35-29 with 1:27 to go in the half, but the Roadrunners were able to add four more points to take a 39-29 lead into the locker room.

Kirksey led the Maverick offense in the first half with nine point and five rebounds, while freshman Tre Baumgardner tallied seven points. As a team, the Mavericks shot 40.0% from the field in the first half and held a 20-14 advantage in rebounds.

Mitch Lombard led the Roadrunners in the first half with nine points and four assists. Kendall McIntosh added seven points and four rebounds as well.

Just more than five minutes into the second half the Mavericks managed to cut the Roadrunner lead to four as senior Kevin Krieger connected on a three pointer to bring the score to 52-48. MSU Denver managed to go back out in front by 10 at 58-48, but the Mavericks then went on an 11-0 run to take the lead at 59-58. Six of MSU's points during its 11-0 run came courtesy of freshman Corvon Seales whop connected on a pair of threes.

The Mavericks would exchange the lead with the Roadrunners two more times as MSU built a four-point lead at 72-68 with 1:46 remaining. It would be all MSU Denver after that as the Roadrunners scored the game's final seven points to lock down the 75-72 win.

Seales led the Maverick offense with 18 points, all of which came in the second half. Seales shot 7-of-10 from the field and 3-of-5 from long range. Kirksey added 17 points and seven rebounds, while Krieger and Baumgardner notched 11 and 10 points, respectively.

As a team, MSU shot 46.6% from the field and enjoyed a 37-26 advantage in rebounds.

Mitch Lombard led the Roadrunners with 18 points, while Kendall McIntosh added 13 points and six rebounds. MSU Denver shot 42.0% from the field, including an 8-of-18 (.444) showing from long range.

The Mavericks open their NSIC schedule at Taylor Center this Friday as they host the Southwest Minnesota State Mustangs. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

                                                                    -30-