DURANGO, Colo. --- The South Dakota School of Mines women's basketball team made a big statement Friday afternoon, defeating Eastern New Mexico, 65-57, during the Conference Crossover Classic in Durango, Colo., in the first game of the 2017-18 season.

The Hardrockers gained a slight edge over the Greyhounds in the third quarter --- a team picked to finish second in the Lone Star Conference. The Hardrockers rolled over the final 10 minutes, hitting some clutch outside shots on offense and shut down Eastern NM on defense to earn the impressive win.

ENMU held a slight lead for a majority of the first half, but the Hardrockers never trailed by more than six points in the game. After the first quarter Eastern New Mexico led by three, 14-11, but SD Mines outscored the Greyhounds, 16-13, in the second quarter and went into halftime with the score tied, 27-27. The 'Rockers took the edge in the third stanza, 19-17, and then closed out the final 10 minutes with a 19-13 run.

SD Mines shot 38 percent from the field Friday, hitting 22-58 attempts and made good on 17-23 from the free throw line. . They added 33 rebounds, had 13 assists, seven steals and two blocks. Eastern New Mexico converted 20-56 from the field for 36 percent, were 13-21 from the free throw line, collected 45 rebounds, had seven assists, six steals and five blocks.

The Hardrockers were paced in scoring by junior Taylor Molstad with 12 points, notching 8-10 from the foul line. Sophomore Sami Steffeck was hot from the perimeter, hitting 3-6 from behind the arc and finished the game with 11 points, one assist and one steal. Sophomore Anna Haugen was a great compliment in the paint with 10 markers and led the team with six rebounds. Sophomores Cooper Courtney and Molly McCabe both contributed with nine points each.

ENMU was led by Mikaehla Connor with 16 points and Jasmine Hotchkins added 11.

The Hardrockers will conclude the Conference Crossover Classic Saturday with a 5 p.m. game against The University of Texas – Permian Basin in a 4 p.m. matchup.