LAKEWOOD, CO- CCU welcomed crosstown rivals MSU Denver to the CCU Event Center Saturday night in a close conference showdown. The game displayed talent on  both sides, but the Cougars fell short in the end by a final score of 81-72.
 
It was the Roadrunners who got started just barely 30 seconds into the game, but it was freshman Bobby McWard who got the crowd fired up with a three to get the Cougars on the board. Followed by Bradley Land who took two shots beyond the arc and drilled them in to give CCU a 9-7 lead early. Both teams couldn't get any other shots to go down five minutes in the game but CJ Barnes who had himself a great game got a layup inside the paint to get some more points on the board.
 
Jacob Everson continued his shooting form with a jumper to retake the lead, then McWard once again beyond the arc took a shot and cashed in a three. Both teams would go back and forth on the scoring side, and play great defense forcing turnovers and steals. Mcward took the final shot for the Cougars before halftime as he nailed a three taking the Cougars ahead at the break 37-34.
 
CCU and MSU Denver scored 10 points off turnovers which was a huge key factor in tonight's game. Bobby Mcward and Bradley Land led in points for the Cougars each respectively shooting very well beyond the arc and inside the paint.
 
The second half started off with the Roadrunners in front retaking the lead, but a jumper from McWard would tie the game. Shaylen Woodberry entered the game in the second half forcing a steal and took a shot from distance and drilled a three. MSU Denver started to show off their offensive talents in the second half as they went on a 7-0 run to extend their lead with eight minutes left to play. Woodberry and Bradley Land continued their hot shooting form as they kept the game close as well as McWard on a fastbreak three. But in the end MSU Denver kept hitting all their shots and took the victory in Lakewood 81-72.
 
Bobby McWard had an amazing performance as he led the team with 23 points shooting 6-11 from the arc. Bradley Land continued with 16 points as well as putting up six rebounds for the team.
 
The Cougars will play their last home game against Colorado School of Mines on Monday February 26 at 5:30 p.m. MST.