RAPID CITY, S.D. --- The South Dakota School of Mines men's basketball team weathered the storm in the second half and staved off a two late rallies to defeat the Johnson and Wales Wildcats, 67-65, Friday night during the Hardrockers home opener at the King Center in Rapid City, S.D.

After SD Mines took a 14-point lead midway through the second half, the Wildcats came alive and made things interesting down the stretch and tied the game with just over three minutes to play. SD Mines was able to regroup and hit some clutch shots along with a few free throws to keep JWU out of reach and win the non-conference contest.

The Hardrockers went into halftime with a 37-30 advantage. The Wildcats outscored SD Mines, 35-30 in the second half, but it wasn't enough to take down the 'Rockers, who have now won two-in-a-row.

The Hardrockers shot 45 percent from the field Friday night, hitting 27-60 shots and converted 9-12 from the free throw line. SD Mines collected 30 rebounds, 10 were second-chance boards, had 16 assists, eight steals and four blocks.

The Wildcats made good on 28-59 attempts and 4-6 from the foul line. They had 28 rebounds, eight assists, seven steals and six blocks.

Individually for the Hardrockers, sophomore Logan Elers led the team with 15 points and four assists while freshman Wilfred Dickson added 12 markers and four assists. Freshman Troy Brady and sophomore Jake Heath both dished in eight points and sophomore Tristan Von Nieda led the team with 10 rebounds.

The Hardrockers are now 2-1 on the year and will next be in action Tuesday playing host to old Dakota Athletic Conference rival University of Mary in a 6 p.m. tipoff.