KEARNEY, NEB. - The 22nd-ranked MSU Denver Roadrunners returned to winning ways, defeating Nebraska-Kearney 85-72 going into the holiday break.

The Roadrunners set the tone early, leading 46-35 at halftime. Brayden Carter led the charge with an impressive 22 points, shooting 8-for-12 from the field and a perfect 6-for-6 at the free-throw line. Caleb McGill added 17 points and dominated the boards with nine rebounds, while Quave Propst-Allison contributed 13 points, including three three-pointers.

The Roadrunners shot an efficient 52.5% from the field, with their bench providing 23 points, underscoring their depth. Their defense forced seven turnovers and converted them into 10 points, limiting the Lopers to just 43.9% shooting.

Nebraska-Kearney (2-8) was led by Ja'Bryant Hill, who poured in a game-high 24 points, including three three-pointers. Taylor Harrell added 14 points and grabbed nine rebounds, while Chase Thompson chipped in 12 points. Despite their efforts, the Lopers struggled at the free-throw line, converting only 7 of 16 attempts.

MSU Denver's largest lead came midway through the second half at 16 points, as their balanced scoring and fast-break execution (13 points) proved too much for the Lopers.

The Roadrunners (4-0 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, 10-2 overall) head into the holiday break and will return to RMAC competition on January 9 and 11, when they will play South Dakota Mines and Black Hills State on the road.