DENVER, CO-  The Cougars headed to nearby MSU Denver for a Thursday night matchup in RMAC play. It was a thrilling matchup throughout, but a shot in the final seconds from the Roadrunners sank CCU by a final score of 68-66. 

Elise Grosdidier scored the first basket for her team, and Victoria Perez sank a three-pointer but CCU trailed 14-5. Dasiya Jones got a layup to go before the quarter ended with the hosts leading 19-10. 

Jones came out strong with a three while Perez connected on another shot from beyond the arc to cut the gap to 23-16. A Nicole Bowlin layup and Maggie Phipps three made things closer and Bowlin gave her team their first lead at 31-30 with 1:28 left in the half. At the break, MSUD held a narrow 35-31 lead. 

Phipps and Jones quickly tied things up early in the third, and a Hayley Luther free throw put CCU back in front 40-39. Heading to the fourth quarter, the teams were separated by just two points with the Roadrunners holding onto a 47-45 advantage. 

Elise drilled a jumper to put her team back in front, and a pair of Bowlin free throws put the Cougars ahead by three 50-47. The Roadrunners then went on a run to take a 61-52 lead with 3:25 remaining. Bowlin proceeded to take over, scoring 8 straight points with a layup and a pair of three-pointers to bring her team back into the game. Jones sank a pair of free throws with 28 seconds remaining as the game stood tied at 66 apiece. MSU Denver spoiled a strong night from the Cougars as they sank a shot with seven seconds left and a pair of free throws and a jumper did not go for CCU in the final seconds as MSU Denver won 68-66. 

Bowlin paced her team with 20 points while Jones posted a double-double with 17 points and 14 rebounds. Perez dished out 5 assists to lead her team. 

The Cougars will continue play on January 18 at 1 p.m. MST with a tilt at Colorado School of Mines.