Mesa State (12-7, 8-7) fell to league-leading Metro State (16-3, 13-2) 57-54 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play Saturday night in Denver.

The Roadrunners were able to hang-on for the victory after the Mavericks opened the second half with an 11-0 run to take a 33-28 lead. MSC trailed 28-22 at half.

Russell Gregory hit a trey to open the second half and hit his second 3-pointer two-minutes later to complete the 11-0 run. Gregory finished the night with 11 points including 3 for 3 from the 3-point line.

In the final 15 minutes of the game neither team led by more than three points. The lead changed hands on numerous occasions with Metro holding a three point lead with 29 seconds remaining in regulation. Kalonji Paschal's layup pulled the Mavericks to within one (53-54). Metro hit 1 of 2 free throws for a 55-53 lead with 12-seconds left. On the Mavs ensuing possession Paschal was fouled with 6-seconds left. Paschal hit 1 of 2 and the Roadrunners led by one (55-54). The Mavs fouled and Metro's Reggie Evans hit both for a 57-54 lead. Paschal's 3-point attempt as time expired bounced off the rim.

Michael Bear led the Mavericks with 16 points. Bear went 5 of 10 from the floor including 2 for 2 from the 3-point line and 4 of 5 from the foul line.

Reggie Evans led the Roadrunners with 20 points off the bench.

MSC will host University of Neb.-Kearney Friday night at 8 p.m. Saturday night at 7 p.m. the Mavs will host Chadron State.

Box Score