RAPID CITY, S.D. --- The South Dakota School of Mines women's basketball team battled back from double-digit deficits in both the first and second halves Friday night but just ran out of time as the Chadron State Lady Eagles staved off a late rally to defeat the Hardrockers, 69-64, during a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference matchup at the King Center in Rapid City.

A slow start to the game put SD Mines down, 17-4, in the opening seven minutes of the game, but the Hardrockers surged at the end of the quarter, going on a 10-2 run, and got it to within five, 19-14. SD Mines outscored Chadron, 19-15 in the second period and went into halftime trailing by just one point, 34-33.

The third quarter went the way of the Eagles as they outscored the home team, 15-9, and again, strung together some shots and led by as many as 11 points, before SD Mines was able to regroup and close the gap. The Hardrockers got within three points with under a minute to play.

The home team had a couple of scoring opportunities to tie the game and retake the lead, but couldn't convert. Chadron was able to hit some clutch free throws down the stretch to salt the game away.  

The Hardrockers shot 39 percent on the night converting 23-59 attempts, including eight three-pointers and were 10-15 from the free throw line. SD Mines added 34 rebounds, 17 assists, seven steals and three blocks.

The Eagles were 26-32 from the field for 42 percent, including six three pointers and were 11-15 from the foul line. Chadron notched 33 rebounds, 19 assists, 12 steals and three blocks.

Individually for the Hardrockers, junior Payton Humpal led the way with 16 points, four from behind the arc, and added two rebounds, two steals and one assists. Sophomore Taylor Molstad nearly had a double-double with 11 points and nine rebounds. Marissa Hirchert contributed with 11 points, two rebounds and two blocks. Freshman Anna Haugen led the 'Rockers with 11 rebounds, including four offensive boards.

The loss drops the Hardrockers to 3-7 on the year and 1-4 in RMAC play. Next up, SD Mines plays host to Regis University Saturday at the King Center in a 3:30 p.m. tipoff.