HAYS, KAN. – The MSU Denver women's basketball team came up short against the Lopers of Nebraska-Kearney, falling 74-66 in the team's first game of the weekend.

The Roadrunners' offense was firing in the first half of the game as they outscored the Lopers 17-13 in the first quarter and 21-17 in the second, going into the first half with a 38-30 lead.

In the third quarter, MSU Denver found themselves in an offensive lull, shooting only 22 percent from the field and getting outscored 23-11. Ending the third quarter with a 4-point deficit, the Roadrunners looked to fight back in the fourth.

The offense improved for MSU Denver in the final quarter of the game as the team shot 50 percent from the field, but it was not enough to break down the Lopers' momentum.

Every Roadrunner on the court made an impact on the box score. Junior guard Mikylah Espinosa led the way with 18 points (8-19 FG), four rebounds, two assists and five steals. Senior forward Jackie Pippett also contributed with 10 points, shooting 100 percent from the field, while also adding a team-high six rebounds and a pair of steals.

The Roadrunners will continue their road trip tomorrow in Hays, Kansas, as they will take on the Tigers of Fort Hays State at 5 p.m. CST. Follow along at RoadrunnersAthletics.com.