RAPID CITY, S.D. --- The South Dakota School of Mines men's basketball team was primed Saturday night as the Hardrockers defeated the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, 80-63, during a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference meeting at the King Center in Rapid City, S.D.

 SD Mines jumped out to an early lead thanks in part to the accurate shooting on the perimeter. The 'Rockers shot 50 percent in the first half and knocked down 10-14 three-pointers. The hot shooting gave the home team a 46-30 edge at the half. SD Mines was able to maintain its advantage over the final 20 minutes, outscoring the Mountain Lions, 34-33.

For the game, the Hardrockers made good on 29-61 attempts to shoot 47.5 percent, including 13-23 from behind the arc and 9-11 from the free throw line. SD Mines added 41 rebounds, and came away with 18 assists, three steals and three blocks.

UCCS finished the game shooting 36.9 percent from the field converting 24-65 shots, including 5-17 three-point attempts and 10-15 from the foul line. They added 29 rebounds, nine assists, six steals and a block.

Individually from the Hardrockers, sophomore Jake Heath had an outstandings night making good on 10-12 attempts, including a 6-7 performance from behind the arc to lead his team with 26 points and six assists. Freshman Troy Brady also had the hot hand from the outside, converting 4-6 three-pointers and finished with 14 points and four assists. Sophomore Jack Fiddler contributed with 13 markers and senior Brian Orr added nine points.

The win gets the Hardrockers back to .500 with a 3-3 overall mark and 1-1 in the conference. SD Mines will next take on Colorado Christian on Friday in Denver, Colo., and then travel to Golden, Colo., on Saturday to challenge the Colorado School of Mines.