Roadrunners Use Defense To Defeat Adams State, 71-48

March 10, 2007

WINONA, MINN. -- Metro State forced 25 turnovers and four players scored in double figures as the Roadrunners defeated Adams State, 71-48, in the first round of the NCAA North Central Regional men's basketball tournament, Saturday afternoon at McCown Gymnasium.

"The turnovers were definitely key," said Roadrunner head coach Brannon Hays. "They kept us in the lead when we weren't shooting well and allowed us to separate ourselves once we started shooting better."

The Roadrunners led by 18 with 12:53 remaining in the game but the Grizzlies went on a 16-4 run to close to within four, 49-45. However, Metro State scored 22 of the game's final 25 points. The Roadrunners shot 54.2 percent from the floor in the second half, while Adams State shot just 30 percent in the final 20 minutes.

"We started moving the ball better and shooting shots that made sense," said Hays about the final run. "Our defense was also creating things with steals and pressure."

Adams State held a 33-22 advantage on the boards, including holding Metro State to just four offensive rebounds. Michael Bahl scored 16 points, while Jesse Wagstaff had 14 points and seven rebounds and Terrell Burgess added 12 points for the Roadrunners. Wes Jensen had 14 points and Russ Murrey had 10 points and six rebounds for the Grizzlies.

Metro State led 32-25 at the half, then went on a 15-4 run to start the second half.

With the win, Metro State improves to 28-3, while Adams State falls to 16-14. The Roadrunners face No. 2-seed Minnesota State Mankato, an 85-71 winner over Fort Lewis, in the regional semifinals, Sunday at 6 p.m., CT.