The Chadron State College men’s basketball team shot 63.5% from the field and never trailed while winning 86-76 over Metro State on Friday night in Denver.
The win was the ninth in a row for the Eagles, who are now 17-8 for the season and 14-5 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference with just three regular-season games remaining. The next one is Saturday night at Colorado School of Mines in Golden.
For the second time in three games, five players scored in double-figures for Coach Shane Paben’s team. Diminutive guard Bryce Latimer led was 23 points, swingman Isaiah Wyatt had 19, center Porter Anderson 13, point guard Marcus Jefferson 12 and versatile Josh Robinson 10.
Each of them made at least half their shots, and Latimer was eight of 12 and Anderson six of seven to set the pace. Alternate center Martin Poznanovic played only six minutes but made all three of his shots from the field.
The only time the Eagles didn’t lead was at 12-12 about seven minutes into the game. The visitors, who shot 72.4% (21-29) in the first half, led by as much as 46-30 with 2 ½ minutes left in the half and were still ahead 50-39 at intermission.
Metro, which also scorched the nets by shooting 54.4% from the field, kept the pressure on during the second half, but the Eagles always found a way to answer. The Roadrunners drew to within five points four times in the first 10 minutes and eventually cut the margin to 79-76 with three minutes remaining.
There was a defining moment about a minute later. A Metro player made a shot while going to the basket, but was called for charging. The referees decided check the monitor and review the play, but the call was upheld.
Metro didn’t score again while both Latimer and Anderson, the smallest and the largest players on the CSC roster, each hit a jump shot after grabbing a rebound. Teammates made three-of-four free throws in the final 21 seconds to widen the final margin to 10 points.
Sophomore forward Caleb McGill led Metro with 24 points on 11 of 15 shooting. Seniors Chandler Bevans and Tyrei Randall added 12 and 11 points, respectively.
While the Eagles were 33 of 52 overall from the field and Metro was 31 of 57, Chadron State was seven of 12 from 3-point range and the hosts only three of 16.
Colorado Mines improved its RMAC record to 15-4, one game ahead of the Eagles, by defeating Colorado Christian 85-58 Friday night.
Chadron State—Bryce Latimer 23, Adam Wyatte 19, Porter Anderson 13, Marcus Jefferson 12, Josh Robinson 10, Martin Poznanovic 6, Jarrett Taylor 3. Totals: 33-52 (7-12) 13-16 86 points, 26 rounds, 12 turnovers.
Metro State—Caleb McGill 24, Chandler Bevins 12, Tyrei Randall 12, Quave Propst-Allison 9, Brayden Maldonado 7, Luke Jones 6, Jaden Kennis 5, Yaw Reneer 2. Totals: 31-57 (3-16) 11-14 76 points, 22 rebounds, 8 turnovers.
Chadron State 50 36 —86
Metro State 39 37 —76
3-pointers: CSC—Wyatt 3, Jefferson 3, Taylor1. MSU—Randall, Propst-Allison, Kennis, all 1.