RAPID CITY, S.D. --- The South Dakota School of Mines men's basketball team dropped another heartbreaker in the waning seconds of a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference matchup, this time to Adams State, 60-59, on the road Friday night in Alamosa, Colo.

After trailing by 13 points in the first half, the Hardrockers fought back and put together a great run to catch and overtake the Grizzlies halfway through the second period. After a fierce defensive battle, Adams State was able to hang with the 'Rockers and managed to lead by one point with less than 10 second remaining in the game. SD Mines had one final opportunity to retake the lead, but couldn't convert down the stretch as time expired in the game.

SD Mines struggled on the offensive side in the first half which allowed Adams State to jump out to a sizable advantage. The Hardrockers, who are normally an excellent perimeter team, couldn't not get any to fall in the first 20 minutes.

Adams State on the other hand, hit a number of shots from long-range in the early goings which aided them in a double-digit halftime edge, 32-19.

The Hardrockers established a great run to start the second half, started hitting some outside shots and got things going in the paint as well. SD Mines outscored Adams State, 40-28, over the final 20 minutes, but just couldn't get over the hump down the stretch.

The Hardrockers finished shooting 46 percent from the field converting 25-60 attempts, including four three-point goals (all in the second half. SD Mines was just 5-12 from the free throw line. The 'Rockers recorded 34 rebounds, eight assists and 10 steals on the night.

The Grizzlies shot 42 percent on the night, making good on 21-46 shots, including seven from behind the arc and was 11-16 from the foul line. Adams State came down with 32 rebounds, nine assists, 10 steals and five blocks.

Individually for the Hardrockers, junior Brian Orr had the hot hand in the second half and led the scoring surge with 15 points, including three from downtown. Senior Konor Kulas got back to his dominating ways with his sixth double-double of the season. He dished in 12 points and came down with a game high 16 rebounds. Senior Troy Whiteto contributed with seven points while seniors Jamall Taylor and Marco Pascolo both contributed with six points each.

The loss is the second in a row for the Hardrockers, who are now 9-8 on the season and 5-6 in the conference. Next up, the Hardrockers will be in Durango, Colo., Saturday to face the league's best Fort Lewis College Skyhawks in a 7:30 p.m. game.