RAPID CITY, S.D. – An explosive first half lifted the South Dakota School of Mines women's basketball team over rival Chadron State College, 83-57, Friday evening during a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference matchup at the King Center in Rapid City, S.D.
The Lady Hardrockers posted 25 points in both the first and second quarters and jumped out to a 23-point lead at the half, 50-27. The Eagles tried to fight their way, outscoring SD Mines, 17-14, in the third quarter, but the Lady Hardrockers' intensity and competitive play was no match as they closed out the final 10 minutes with a 19-13 showing to earn the win.
The Hardrockers were on fire in the first half shooting 56.3 percent from the field and hit 11 three-pointers (52.4 percent). For the game, the home team finished with 47.5 percent from the field making good on 28-59, including 13-31 from the three-point line and converted 14-17 from the foul line.
The Eagles converted 23-53 shots for 43.3 percent in the game, including an 8-18 performance from three-point range, and 3-5 from the free throw line.
The 'Rockers collected 30 rebounds on the night and recorded 18 assists, 10 steals and had one blocked shot. Chadron came down with 26 rebounds, had 14 assists, three steals and three blocked shots.
Individually, sophomore Sami Steffect had the hot hand Friday leading all scorers with 21 points, including 5-8 from behind the arc. She was 2-2 from the free throw line, notched four assists and four steals.
SD Mines Freshman
Ryan Weiss also performed well Friday, earning 16 points, hitting 4-7 from the three-point line and added two steals and an assist. Sophomore
Anna Haugen contributed with 15 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals while junior
Taylor Molstad and senior
Payton Humpal both cashed in for eight markers.
The win gives SD Mines a 7-3 overall mark and improve to 3-2 in RMAC play. Next up, the Hardrockers play host to the Regis University Rangers Saturday at 3:30 p.m. (MST).
