SALT LAKE CITY, Utah --- It was tough sledding Friday night for the South Dakota School of Mines men's basketball team as the Hardrockers fell to the Westminster College Griffins, 66-53, during a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference game in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Despite a sluggish offensive output, the Hardrockers were within striking distance until the final minutes of the match. Westminster slowly mounted a sizeable lead throughout the second half of play only to see the Hardrockers cut into their advantage in during several small runs and were in position to challenge late in the game.

One final scoring spurt during the final two minutes was enough for the home team to keep SD Mines at bay. The Griffins held a six-point lead at halftime, 28-22, and then outscored the visitors, 38-31, over the final 20 minutes.

The Hardrockers shot 33 percent from the field Friday, making good on 20-60 attempts and converted just five of 21 from three point range (24 percent). They hit 8-16 from the foul line, recorded 41 rebounds, had five assists, three steals and five blocks.

The Griffins shot 48 percent hitting 27-56 shots, and were just 3-10 from three-point range. They were 9-16 from the free throw line, came up with 40 rebounds, had 16 assists, three steals and five blocks.

Individually, Jamall Taylor led the way for SD Mines with nine points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal. Freshman Jack Fiddler cashed in for eight points and three rebounds. Senior Marco Pascolo added 10 rebounds to go along with seven points and one block. Senior Troy Whiteto also had seven markers on the night.

Westminster (8-6) was led by Zerrion Payton and Marcus Bryce both had 12 points.

The loss drops SD Mines to 10-10 on the season and fall to 6-8 in the RMAC. The Hardrockers return home for four games. Western State is first on the list next Friday followed by a bout with Colorado Mesa next Saturday.