DURANGO, Colo. --- The South Dakota School of Mines ran into an offensive juggernaut Saturday night in Durango, Colo., as the Fort Lewis College Skyhawks proved why they are the top team in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, defeating the Hardrockers, 98-75.

FLC could not miss in the first half, shooting almost 75 percent from the field and established a 13-point halftime edge, 50-37. The Hardrockers did their best to keep pace and were able to stay within striking distance. But the home team just couldn't be denied, turning up the heat midway through the second half to earn the win, outscoring the visitors, 48-38, over the final 20 minutes.

The Skyhawks ended the game shooting an astonishing 66 percent from the field, connecting on 38-58 from the field, including a 13-24 performance from the three-point line (54 percent). They were 9-10 from the free throw line, had 28 rebounds, 24 assists, one steal and four blocks.

The Hardrockers did shoot a respectable 48 percent from the field making good on 29-60 attempts, with only five three-pointers. SD Mines was 12-19 from the foul line, came down with 27 rebounds, recorded 14 assists, eight steals and two blocks.

Individually for the 'Rockers, senior Konor Kulas led the way with 17 points, five rebounds, three assists and one block. Freshman Logan Elers dished in 11 points and senior Troy Whiteto contributed with 10 markers.

Fort Lewis was paced by Joshua Blaylock with 27 points, Rasmus Bach added 19 and Alex Semadeni and Daniel Hernadez cashed in for 15 points.
The Skyhawks picked up their 26^th home victory and improved to 15-3 on the season and 10-2 in the RMAC. The Hardrockers have now dropped their third in a row, posting a 9-9 overall record and fall to 5-7 in conference play.

Next up, SD Mines returns home to for a big rivalry game with Black Hills State Tuesday night at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Ice Arena. Get your advance tickets for that big game now at www.gotmine.com .