Denver, CO – The Cougars traveled to nearby Metro State for a rivalry rematch on Saturday afternoon. The game saw a tight contest the first three quarters, the Roadrunners ultimately pulling away in the fourth for a 59-78 victory against the Cougars.

The game would open up quickly for the Cougars, Maley Wilhelm putting the first points on the board to open up a 6-point run for the Cougars. The Roadrunners would promptly respond back with their own 6-point run, tying the ball game halfway into the quarter. Josie Grosdidier would go to work in the paint, scoring 6 points of her own to push the Cougars to a two point lead going into the second quarter, winning 12-10.

Metro struck first in the second with a quick jumper, but Angelina Kohlwaies wasted no time silencing the momentum with a three. When Metro answered from deep, Jordon Heckert matched it shot for shot, knocking down a triple of her own. A quarter from beyond the arc would see another Metro three, followed by a Simonich three, for yet another three pointer response from the Roadrunners. Clinical finishing at the charity stripe and a Hayley Luther three pointer would close the half in the Roadrunners favor, winning 32-35.

Coming out of the break, the Cougars showed no signs of backing down. Luther opened the half with another three pointer to immediately erase the deficit and knot the game at 35-35. The defensive intensity picked up as Samantha Wattawa and Heckert created havoc in the passing lanes, and Heckert would capitalize on a steal with a fast break finish to give CCU its first lead since early in the second quarter. The back-and-forth battle continued throughout the third. Josie Grosdidier continued to establish herself inside, fighting through contact for tough buckets in the paint, while Heckert stayed aggressive from deep, knocking down another three to keep the Cougars within striking distance. Each time CCU made a push, the Roadrunners answered — using second-chance points and transition opportunities to slowly stretch the margin to a 47-51 lead going into the fourth.

The final quarter would prove to be the difference. Metro found its rhythm offensively, converting at a high clip and capitalizing on turnovers to fuel a decisive run. A pair of quick buckets in transition pushed the lead to double digits, forcing the Cougars to chase the game down the stretch. CCU continued to battle, with Maley Wilhelm and Heckert knocking down key shots and Addison Wragge adding a late basket inside, but the Roadrunners' efficiency in the final frame was too much to overcome. Metro would pull away in the closing minutes to secure the 78-59 victory.

Heckert would lead the team in points with 16 points and a notable 3 steals coupled with 4 assists. Josie Grosdidier would follow close behind with 13 points and a team high 6 rebounds. The Cougars would shoot 31% from beyond the arc and 30% from the field, scoring 12 points off of turnovers.

The Cougars road affairs come to a close, as they finish out the season with two finals games at home. CCU's next matchup will be against New Mexico Highlands, with tipoff scheduled for Thursday, February 26^th at 6pm MST.