DENVER (Nov. 13, 2021) – Oklahoma Christian found itself in a hole early on Saturday and never climbed out, falling 78-62 to Metro State (Colo.) in the Eagles' men's basketball season opener in a Lone Star Conference-Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Challenge event at the Auraria Event Center.

Sophomore transfer Drew Tennial led the Eagles with 14 points and eight rebounds, while Anthony Johnson and Nyk Madison scored 10 points each. But OC (0-1) shot just 37.7 percent from the field and Metro State (1-0) outrebounded the Eagles 43-36.

A 3-pointer by Tennial about five minutes into the game tied the score at 8-8, but the Roadrunners went on a 9-2 run and OC never caught up. Eight straight points by Metro State extended its lead to 32-19 with four minutes left in the first half before OC pulled within 36-27 by halftime.

Metro State opened the second half on an 11-4 run to build a 47-31 lead with 15:59 left. The Eagles chipped away and came as close as six points at 61-55 on a basket by D.J. Walter with 4:28 left before Metro State scored 10 points in a row to rebuild its lead and seal the win.

Laolu Oke led the Roadrunners with 23 points (on 10-of-16 shooting) and 18 rebounds, while Ra'Shawn Langston scored 20 points.

After playing the home team Saturday, OC will face against RMAC opponent, Black Hills State (S.D.), on Sunday at 5 p.m. Central time (4 p.m. local time).