Rangers Hold Off Pesky Adams State 73-72 to Improve to 2-0 in RMAC Action

Alamosa, Colo.: The Regis University men's basketball team trailed only three times against Adams State tonight in RMAC action in a 73-72 victory.  Regis led by as many as 19 points late in the second half, but had to hold off the pesky Grizzlies to run their conference record to 2-0.

Adams State (2-6, 0-2 RMAC) had leads of 2-0, 4-3 and their final one at 6-5.  Regis (3-5, 2-0 RMAC) led the first half by as many as 10 and went into halftime with a 38-30 lead.

Midway through the second half, leading by 10, the Rangers went on an 8-0 run to take a commanding 58-40 lead with 10:18 left.  Regis stretched their lead to 19 with 6:52 left in the game before the roller coaster ride began.

The Grizzlies got back into the game going on a 24-7 run over the next six minutes to cut the lead to 71-70 with just 56 seconds remaining.  Junior guard Matt Rosinski was fouled with 31 seconds remaining and calmly sank both free throws to put Regis ahead by three.

On the next possession Seth Heinbaugh was fouled and sank two free throws to again cut the Ranger lead to just one point with 19 seconds left.  Senior guard Andy Pokorny was fouled and with 11 seconds missed both free throws to set up one final shot for the Grizzlies.

Adams State Head Coach Mark Murdoch called a timeout with seven seconds remaining.  The Ranger defense did a good job of not allowing the Grizzlies to penetrate and Vitor de Zoppa had to shoot a desperation three pointer that just barely drew iron.

Regis was again led in scoring by Rosinski who poured in 22 points, just one off his career high.  Junior forward Joseph Odugbela had another solid night with 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting.  Junior center Bill Brandenburg was the other double figure scorer with 10 points.

Regis hit 21-of-34 from the free throw line and forced the Grizzlies into 22 turnovers.

Regis will host Western State on Friday at the Regis Fieldhouse with tipoff set for 7 PM.

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