RAPID CITY, S.D. --- The South Dakota School of Mines men's basketball team extended its home winning streak Friday as the Hardrockers fended off a late rally from Chadron State and defeated the Eagles, 76-71, and improved to 6-0 at the King Center during a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference bout.

Despite winning just one game this season, Chadron competed well against the Hardrockers and challenged them from the opening tipoff to the final buzzer. The Eagles even held a one-point advantage at the half, 31-30.

The Hardrockers worked their offense more efficiently in the second half and knocked down some key shots and slowly distanced themselves from the Eagles on the scoreboard. The home team led by 12 points with just over three minutes to play.

Chadron State made one final charge and was able to get within three points, 73-70, with just over a minute to play. SD Mines was able to regroup and turn away the Eagles by coming up with some clutch shots and hit some free throws down the stretch to win the game.

SD Mines finished the game shooting 55 percent, connecting on 24-44 from the field, including six three-pointers, and were 22-32 from the free throw line for 69 percent. The Hardrockers added 33 rebounds, 19 assists, five blocks and three steal.

Chadron ended making good on 26-63 from the field for 41 percent, including eight three-pointers and was 11-14 from the foul line for 77 percent. The Eagles came up with 25 rebounds, had 14 assists, seven steals and two blocks.

Individually for the Hardrockers, senior Konor Kulas paced his team with 24 points, nine rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Senior Jamall Taylor added 10 markers, four rebounds and three assists. Freshman Jake Heath, freshman Jack Fiddler and senior Marco Pascolo each contributed with nine points. Pascolo also recorded three blocks in the game.

The win improves the Hardrockers to 7-4 on the season and 3-2 in conference competition. Next up, SD Mines welcomes the Regis University Rangers Saturday at 5:30 p.m.