regis KOs METRO IN OT

By Matt Gunn
gunnma@mscd.edu

The Metro and Regis University women's basketball teams are two of the biggest rivals in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, and it took until overtime Jan. 24 to decide a 79-69 Rangers win.

In the highly physical battle, both teams combined for more than 40 fouls, and four players departed early as a result. The win gave the Rangers a one-game advantage in the RMAC East Division. Regis went 10-0 in the conference, while Metro fell to 9-1.

"It's hyped up as much as it should be," freshman Jessica von Tillow said. "It's a huge game and tonight was just rough for us."

The fast pace started with the game clock, and teams struggled to make a shot in the first couple minutes of play.

The Rangers' Denise Lopez made the first mistake when she rolled over freshman Stacey Cox and got called for both a personal and technical foul.

Though Metro scored the first two points, the lead changed eight times as each team traded blows in the first half.

"I really felt like we played extremely well the first half with a lot of composure, and our execution was extremely high," head Coach Dave Murphy said. "I really think we kept them off balance."

Regis got into foul trouble early. The referees didn't hesitate to blow whistles on either team. Metro made the most of its opportunities, however, and took a 34-24 lead into the second half. Sophomore Paige Powers led the 'Runners with 11 points, nine of which came off three-pointers.

The Rangers came out on fire after the break, and went on a 16-0 run to open the second half.

"Obviously we didn't match their intensity and we didn't match their execution, and that hurt us," Murphy said.

Down by six, the Roadrunners were looking for any opportunity to ignite the offense. The spark came from a von Tillow three-pointer five minutes into the half. Metro soon regained composure and began to generate points off turnovers.

The 'Runners caught up with Regis in the final minute of regulation. Another foul led to a pair of Powers free throws. She tied the game with 35 seconds remaining, and the Rangers frantically worked the ball to the other end of the court.

With nine seconds to play, Metro generated another turnover, and took a time out to set up a play. Cox missed a three pointer with four-tenths of a second, and the teams went into overtime.

The Rangers opened the overtime period with a 5-0 run. Even though Regis star Diana Lopez fouled out early, the rest of her team rallied to beat Metro 17-7 in the extra five minutes of play.

At the end of the game, Regis held a clear advantage in second chance points, beating Metro 17-5. The 'Runners' bench outscored the Rangers 31-5.

The Roadrunners and the Rangers meet again Feb. 7 at the Regis Field House.

"I think it's going to be around a long time," Powers said about the rivalry. "They're a good team, I have a lot of respect for them, and can't wait to play them again."