DENVER – Regis University used an 8-of-16 effort from the perimeter to overcome a strong inside presence from Colorado School of Mines and capture a 74-67 victory over the Orediggers in RMAC men's basketball action on Saturday evening in Denver.
Mines (11-9, 8-8 RMAC) posted a 40-to-18 advantage on points in the paint but could only connect on 1-of-10 3-point attempts despite strong efforts from both the field (25-of-51) and the foul line (16-of-21).
Junior Luke Meisch led the squad with 19 points on a 7of-12 effort from the floor in addition to team highs in rebounds (seven) and steals (three). So far during the month of February (not counting Friday's suspended game vs. Metro State), Meisch has averaged team highs in both points (22.7) and rebounds (8.3) while shooting 90.9 percent (30-of-33) from the foul line.
Brian Muller added 18 points on a 7-of-19 shooting clip while recording two of the team's 10 steals in the contest. Less than 24 hours after suspending Friday's matchup against Metro State with a backboard-breaking dunk, Trevor Wages posted 13 points, six boards, three blocks, two assists and two steals in 28 minutes of action.
Regis (7-13, 6-11 RMAC) shot 63.6 percent from the floor and posted a plus-four rebounding margin to overcome 10 first-half turnovers and stake a 38-32 halftime lead.
The Rangers increased the lead throughout the second half, eventually moving it to 64-54 with 5:43 to play in regulation, but Mines would counter with a 10-0 run through the next three minutes to cut the deficit to 64-63 with 2:58 to play.
The lead would go back out to as much as six before Meisch went and-1 on a layup with 35 seconds remaining to cut it to three, 70-67.
Mines had a shot with 20 seconds remaining to tie the game, but a 3-point attempt by Muller found iron and Regis would make all four of its free throws over the final 16 seconds to claim the seven-point victory.
The Orediggers will stay out on the road next weekend with matchups at Black Hills State and Chadron State on Friday and Saturday, respectively.
