KINGSVILLE, Texas --- The South Dakota School of Mines men's basketball team ran into a hot shooting Texas A&M - Kingsville squad Friday evening to open the 2017-18 season in Kingsville, Texas. The Hardrockers couldn't keep pace and fell to the Javelinas, 71-53, in non-conference action.

The home team did a lot of damage to the visiting 'Rockers in the first half, outscoring SD Mines, 38-27, and then kept sinking shots over the final 20 minutes, outscoring the Hardrockers, 33-26.

TUAMK finished the night shooting 48 percent from the field, hitting 29-61 shots, while the Hardrockers converted 19-48 baskets for 40 percent shooting from the field.

SD Mines hit six three-point goals in the game and made good on 9-17 from the free throw line. They recorded 32 rebounds, including 11 second-chance opportunities and notched nine assists, nine steals and recorded three blocks. The Javelinas had 37 rebounds (13 offensive), 13 assists, nine steals and eight blocked shots.

Individually for the 'Rockers, freshman Troy Brady led the way with 12 points, one assists and one steal. Sophomore Tristan Von Nieda nearly pulled off a double-double with 11 points and nine rebounds. Sophomore Jake Heath cashed in for 10 points, two assists and two steals.

TUAMK was led by Christian Bambrook with 12 points and Robert Stevenson added 11.

The Hardrockers continue competition in Texas traveling to Laredo for a 4 p.m. game against Texas A&M- International.