@MSUDenverWBB: Persistent Roadrunners Come Up Short After Second Half Surge
SALT LAKE CITY - In a tightly contested matchup, Northwest Nazarene edged out MSU Denver with a 78-72 win in non-conference play.
The game saw momentum swings and five lead changes, with Northwest Nazarene holding a slim 25-20 advantage after the first quarter. The Nighthawks extended their lead in the second, finishing the half up 47-39. Despite a late surge from MSU Denver, including a 17-point fourth quarter, Northwest Nazarene's defense and rebounding advantage (48-35) proved decisive.
Three Roadrunners finished in double-digits in the scoring column. Mikylah Espinosa was a standout, pouring in a game-high 26 points. Espinosa shot 5-for-13 from three-point range and added nine rebounds. Mariana Silva Pereira supported her with 12 points and five assists, while Brianna Sealy chipped in 10 points and four rebounds of her own.
Northwest Nazarene was able to capitalize on second-chance opportunities, as well as Roadrunner turnovers, with 13 points off offensive boards and 20 points off of turnovers. Their 80% free throw shooting (12-for-15) helped seal the game, while MSU Denver's struggles from the field (34.4%) hindered their comeback efforts.
The Roadrunners (1-3 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, 2-9 overall), will play their final game of 2024 on Saturday, December 21 against Seattle Pacific in Salt Lake City at 1 p.m. MST.
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