Rangers End of Game Comeback Falls Short Against the Lopers; Purdy Breaks Freshman Scoring Record

Denver, Colo.: Just two minutes into Regis' matchup against Nebraska-Kearney on Friday, Tae'lor Purdy set a new Regis record as she became the highest scoring freshman in women's basketball history. Prior to Friday night, Purdy was one point shy of Denise Durant's record of 350 points which she scored during the 1979-80 season. Purdy has now scored 367 points so far this season.

While Purdy started off strong, the Rangers brought about a deficit early on. Although unable to overcome it, Regis fought back. With 6:08 remaining in the game, Regis went on a 16-3 run over the next four minutes to come within nine of the Nebraska-Kearney Lopers. This end of game comeback however wasn't enough as the Rangers fell to Kearney 77-64 on Friday at the Regis Fieldhouse. 

During the first half, the lead was exchanged numerous times before the Lopers went ahead by two with 8:31 remaining. Kearney extended this lead to 14 before the closing of the period as they headed into the break with a 36-22 lead.

The Lopers were able to extend their lead to 26 during the second half with 8:03 left in the game. While the Rangers fought back cutting this deficit to nine at one point, they were unable to overcome Kearney eventually falling 77-64 to the Lopers.

In the game, Tae'lor Purdy and Salina Kuiper led Regis with 18 points each. Jacque Machesney scored ten. Purdy pulled down eight boards for the Rangers as Machesney grabbed six while both shot 2-of-5 from deep. They also dished out five and six assists respectively.

Up next, the Rangers will face Chadron State on Saturday at the Regis Fieldhouse. Tipoff is set for 7:00 p.m.

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