Las Vegas, New Mexico -The Cowboys saw their winning streak snapped Thursday night, falling 95-83 to a hot-shooting MSU Denver team in the Wilson Complex. The loss dropped New Mexico Highlands to 8-14 overall and 6-5 in RMAC play, while the Roadrunners improved to 7-12 overall and 5-6 in the conference.
MSU Denver built an 18-point lead nine minutes into the game. New Mexico Highlands answered, cutting the deficit to 43-40 at halftime.
Ibrahima Sacko put the Cowboys in front 54-52 at the 14:18 mark of the second half, scoring two of his game-high 21 points. New Mexico Highlands held the lead for six minutes before MSU Denver regained control, going ahead 65-63 with just over eight minutes remaining. The Roadrunners closed the game on a 30-19 run to secure the win.
The Cowboys' defense faltered, allowing a season-high 95 points. MSU Denver shot 58.3 percent from the floor and knocked down ten three-pointers.
The teams combined for 72 points in the paint in a physical game that featured 52 fouls and 77 free throw attempts. MSU Denver shot 76.3 percent at the line, while the Cowboys shot 61.5 percent.
Sacko finished with 21 points, and five other Cowboys scored in double figures.
Marcus Pierce had 17 points,
Ramiah Adedigba scored 14,
Dontae Walker added 11, and
BJ Comer and
Nikk Williams finished with 10 apiece.
The Cowboys look to return to their winning ways on Saturday afternoon when they host regis at 3:00 pm.
