LAREDO, Texas --- A late rally fell short down the stretch for the South Dakota School of Mines men's basketball team Friday night as the Hardrockers began the 2016-17 season in Laredo, Texas, with a non-conference bout against the Texas A&M International Dust Devils.
Texas A&M staved off a late Hardrocker charge to earn their second win of the year, 78-66, while the 'Rockers drop their first game of the season.
After a very even first half, The Dust Devil held a slim one-point advantage, 35-34, but managed to string together a decent run midway through the second period. With about five minutes left, the home team was out front by as much as 11 points.
The Hardrockers came back in true hero's fashion, chipping away at their deficit and got to within three points, but with time winding down they were forced to put International on the foul line where Texas A&M was able to keep SD Mines at bay.
The Hardrockers finished the game shooting 45 percent from the field converting 22-34 shots and came down with 22 rebounds, had 11 assists and recorded three steals. SD Mines shot 68 percent from the free throw line making good on 19 of 28 attempts.
The Dust Devils posted 28-46 shots from the field to shoot 61 percent. The also grabbed 24 rebounds, had 11 assists, nine blocks and recorded two blocks.
Individually for the Hardrockers,
Konor Kulas had an outstanding night with a game-high 28 points and grabbed six rebounds and an assist. Junior
Brian Orr also did well with 15 points, two rebounds and an assist, and senior
Jamall Taylor contributed with 12 points, four rebounds and two assists.
SD Mines is back in action Saturday evening when the Hardrockers take on Texas A&M - Kingsville in a 6 p.m. (MST) game.
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