DENVER -- December 18, 2015 -- Metro State built a 32-20 halftime lead over a frigid shooting Chadron State men's basketball team, then survived a fierce rally by the Eagles early in the second half and took a 69-53 verdict in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference action Friday night.

Chadron State closed the gap to 43-42 midway in the second half, but the Roadrunners regained the momentum with a 7-0 run and were in command the rest of the way.

The Eagles made just five of 22 shots from the field in the first half.  They were 11 of 27 in the second half, but still hit just 32.7 percent for the game.  They also struggled from the free throw line, where they were only 17 of 34.

Metro State made 13 of 28 field goal attempts in the opening half and 13 of 22 in the second half for 52 percent for the game.  The Roadrunners went 15 of 23 from the free throw line.

Neither team had much success from 3-point territory.  Chadron State was just four of 17 and Metro two of 12. 

Guard Tony Dobbinson with 16 points and forward DeShawn Phenix, both seniors, led Metro with 16 and 13 points, respectively.

Forward Billy Johnson paced the Eagles with 14 points. Guards Sharif Black and Warren Gordon added 11 and 10, respectively. 

MSU Denver is now 5-5 overall and 3-1 in the RMAC.  CSC is 4-4 and 2-2.  The Eagles will play at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs on Saturday night to wrap up their pre-holiday schedule.