PORTALES, N.M. --- The South Dakota School of Mines women's basketball team got tangled up in a shoot-out against Eastern New Mexico Friday as the Lady Hardrockers first game of the 2016-17 season had to be decided in overtime during the Regional Challenge Women's Basketball Classic in Portales, N.M.
When the dust settled, the Greyhounds managed to stave off a Hardrocker attack to steal the win, 69-66. The Hardrockers led for most of the game, keeping Eastern New Mexico at bay.
The Hardrockers were able to regroup and hit a three-pointer at the end of regulation to force the extra period. In overtime, both side traded shots, but Eastern New Mexico converted down the stretch to notch the victory.
The Hardrockers led after the first quarter, 16-12, and were up by five at the half, 27-22. The Greyhounds closed the gap in the third, trailing by two, 40-38, and then the game was all square after four, 59-59.
The Hardrockers shot 33 percent in the game hitting, 23-70, shots including, 7-20, from three-point range. SD Mines came down with 46 rebounds, tallied 11 assists, 10 steals and five blocks. Eastern New Mexico was, 23-66, for 35 percent including eight three pointers. The home team also collected 51 rebounds, 16 assists, seven block and six steals.
Individually for the Hardrockers, sophomore
Marissa Hirchert had a big game with 18 points, nine rebounds, three steals and one block. Freshman
Sami Steffeck also played well in her SD Mines debut with 12 markers, four rebounds and one assist. Fellow freshman
Molly McCabe added nine points, and junior
Payton Humpall contributed with eight points. Senior
Megan Rohrer paced her team with 10 rebounds.
The Hardrockers start the season 0-1, but will get the opportunity Saturday to get back to even when the SD Mines takes on University of Texas – Permian Basin in an 11 a.m. (MST) tipoff at Portales.
