DENVER (January 16, 2015) – Senior Juwan Buchanan netted a career-high 32 points but a late comeback from Adams State University  did not come to fruition as the Grizzlies fell, 84-80, to No. 17 Metropolitan State University of Denver on Friday night from the Auraria Event Center.

Trailing 80-70 with 1:41 remaining, ASU enforced their defensive will; picking up three steals that translated into an 8-0 run in a matter of 56 seconds. Senior Shakir Smith had an opportunity to tie the game with a fast break but saw his layup attempt miss with 11 seconds left on the clock.

The Roadrunners would connect on four free throws after the miss to seal the game.

Buchanan had 23 of his game-high 32 points after halftime and ended his night 11-of-16 from the floor along with four steals, three assists, two rebounds, and a block. Smith chipped in 16 points while going 4-of-8 from three-point territory. Michael Middlebrooks collected 11 points and 9 rebounds.

Metro State led 43-41 at halftime and began to distance themselves from ASU in the second half. The MSUD lead blossomed to 13 before the Grizzlies mounted their own run that resulted in a dramatic ending.

Mitch McCarron paced the Roadrunners with 28 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. Both teams shot nearly identical from the field but Metro State held the edge at the charity stipe by going 26-of-38. The Grizzlies shot 16-of-26 from the free throw line.

Adams State is next in action tomorrow night against Regis University at 5:00 p.m. from Denver.