RAPID CITY, S.D. --- The South Dakota School of Mines men's basketball team rebounded in overtime to stop Colorado State-Pueblo, 84-81, Friday night at the King Center in Rapid City during a big Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference matchup.

Playing without their leading scorer Konor Kulas, the Hardrockers held a 10-point edge at the half, 43-33, and were up by 20 points with just over 15 minutes left in regulation when CSUP came surging back thanks to a heavy full-court press that netted them a number of turnovers which they converted into points.

CSU-Pueblo outscored the home team, 41-31, in the second half, which was good enough to force overtime. The Hardrockers were able to regroup, take a slight edge to regain control of the game and earn the big victory.

But Mines outscored Pueblo 10-7 in overtime for the win to move to 5-4 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play and 9-6 overall.

"Our guys found a way to win," said Hardrocker men's basketball head coach Jason Henry. "We had too many turnovers in the second half, but our guys didn't hang their heads. We were able to regroup, gain our composure, and took care of business in overtime. We hustled for every loose ball and every rebound. I'm really proud of our guys tonight."

Henry added the play of freshman Tristan Van Nieda was big for his squad, stepping in for Kulas, who was forced to sit out with an illness. Van Nieda got some quality minutes which equated to some big rebounds and was a force in the paint.

Senior Troy Whiteo had a big game for the Hardrockers, with a game-high 22 points, hitting 8-of-11 from the field, including both of his 3-point attempts. The 'Rockers also got 15 points from senior Jamall Taylor and 11 points from freshman Jake Heath.

Troy Whiteto had an outstanding game for us," Henry added. "He was able to start tonight after being injured for part of the season and he was a key factor in getting the Hardrockers the win."

Mines was 29-of-64 from the field and hit 8-19 three-pointers.

Pueblo had five players score in double figures, led by Rico spikes and Nelson Kahler with 19 points each. The Thunderwolves were 27-of-63 from the field. The visitors also saw their seven

Mines hosts New Mexico highlands Saturday at 5:30 p.m.