RAPID CITY, S.D. ---  The South Dakota School of Mines men's basketball team came out on the wrong end of a nail-biter Saturday night, falling to the Colorado Mesa University Mavericks, 63-60, during a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference matchup at the King Center in Rapid City, S.D.

After the Mavericks missed the back end of two foul shots, the visitors went up by three. The Hardrockers had one last opportunity to tie the game with five second left on the clock, but a long range three-pointer did not fall for the home team as SD Mines dropped to 10-12 on the season and 6-10 in the conference.

SD Mines held the advantage for most of the game, but could never distance themselves from the visitors. The Hardrockers led by three points at the half, 35-32, but were outscored, 31-25, in the second half. The 'Rockers were up by 10 points midway through the second period, but Mesa was able to mount a comeback down the stretch to gain the win.

SD Mines finished the game shooting 34 percent from the field, hitting 22-64 attempts, including 8-25 from downtown, and were 8-10 from the free throw line. They grabbed 42 rebounds, had 17 assists, six steals and eight blocks.

The Mavericks were 21-58 from the field to shoot 36 percent (5-17 from the three-point line), and converted 16-23 from the foul line. The tacked on 30 rebounds, five assists, eight steals and five blocks.

SD Mines had three seniors reach double figures. Jamall Taylor paced the team with 12 points and added one rebound and one assist. Marco Pascolo notched a double-double dishing in 11 points and grabbing 10 rebounds and added five assists, three blocks and three steals. Troy Whiteto, II contributed with 10 markers, four rebounds and one assist.

Colorado Mesa was led in scoring by CJ Davis with 12 points and teammate Tanner Riley added 10.

SD Mines will continue its home stand this weekend with their two final RMAC home contests of the year. Friday the Hardrockers will challenge UCCS and then play host to MSU-Denver on Saturday.