RAPID CITY, S.D. --- The South Dakota School of Mines men's basketball team found themselves in a real slugfest Saturday evening as the Hardrockers played host the Grace University Royals at the King Center in Rapid City.

The Hardrockers were able to string together some points down the stretch in the second half, outplay their opponents, and get the win, 76-70, in a non-conference game.

SD Mines got off to a slow start against Grace University as the visitors led by as much as seven points early in the first half before SD Mines was able to regroup and get back in the game. It was pretty even going into the half with Grace holding a one-point edge, 29-28.

It was very tight over the final 20 minutes, but SD Mines had things clicking, leading by as much as 13 points midway through the period. Grace was able to counter and made it close down the stretch, cutting the lead to three points several times, but could never get any close. SD Mines hit some clutch shots at opportune times to seal the win. The Hardrockers outscored the Royals, 48-41, in the second half.

SD Mines shot 53 percent from field, making good on 27-51 shots, including seven three pointers, and was 15-21 from the free throw line for 71 percent. The Hardrockers recorded 32 rebounds, had 17 assists, four blocks and three steals.

Grace University shot 42 percent from the field Saturday, hitting 26-62 shots, and was 16-20 from the free throw line. They had 29 rebounds, 13 assists, eight blocks and five steals.

"We started out slow again. Definitely didn't have our A game this weekend. It was a crazy couple of days but we still found a way to get a couple of win," said Hardrocker men's basketball head coach Jason Henry. We really got it going in the second half. We really had to lean our starters and find a way to get the win."

Individually for SD Mines, senior Marco Pascollo had his best game as a Hardrockers, collecting 20 points and 12 rebounds along with two assists, one block and one steal. Fellow senior Konor Kulas 18 points, eight rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a steal. Junior Brian Orr also played a great game with 16 points, three assists and two rebounds.

"Marco stepped up tonight – no doubt about it," Henry said. "He knocked down a couple shots and did a great job on rebounding. Konor Kulas and Brian Orr also played well and really helped us turn it around in the second half."

The win gives SD Mines a 2-2 overall record and will next travel to Bismarck, N.D. Tuesday to face old Dakota Athletic Conference foe University of Mary in a 6 p.m. tipoff.