PORTALES, N.M. --- The South Dakota School of Mines women's basketball team could not stave off a fourth quarter rally Saturday during a non-conference bout against The University of Texas – Permian Basin as the Hardrockers fell to the Lady Falcons, 57-50, during the Regional Crossover Women's Basketball Challenge in Portales, N.M.

Up by nine points with just over eight minutes to play, the Falcons mounted a comeback that the Hardrockers could not turn away as they got outscored 23-11 in the final frame.

The game saw 11 lead changes and it was tied eight times. SD Mines held the advantage for 24 minutes while UTPB led for 10 minutes. The Hardrockers had a one-point edge after the first quarter, 13-12, and lead 23-22, at the half. After the third, SD Mines was up by five, 39-34, to set up the fourth-quarter Falcon rally.

 SD Mines shot 39 percent from the field in the game converting 20-52 shots. They also made good on 7-11 from the free throw line. The Hardrockers collected 40 rebounds, 12 assists, seven steals and four blocks.

UTPB made good on 20-66 attempts to shoot 30 percent from the field. They converted 11-15 from the free throw line and had 38 rebounds, 11 assists, 12 steals and one block.

Individually for the Hardrockers, senior Megan Rohrer, junior Payton Humpall and freshman Molly McCabe all finished with 12 points. Rohrer also had nine rebounds, three blocks and a steal.

The loss drops SD Mines to 0-2 on the season and the Hardrockers will continue their non-conference schedule against the University of Sioux Falls on Friday and Southwest Minnesota State on Saturday. Both games will be in Sioux Falls.