DENVER, COLO. --- The South Dakota School of Mines women's basketball team gave it all they had Friday night but couldn't close the deal as the Regis Rangers survived for a 75-69 victory during a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference matchup in Denver, Colo.

The Hardrockers went shot-for-shot with Regis, trailing by just one after the first quarter, 17-16, and down by two points at the half, 36-34. SD Mines kept pace in the third quarter, trailing by just one heading into the final frame, 47-46.

The Rangers were able to gain a little breathing room to start the four quarter, going on a 7-0 run, but SD Mines clawed their way back into the game and got the game to within one point midway through the period. The Rangers though were able to turn the 'Rockers' advances and used accurate shooting at the foul line to secure the win.

Friday's game was big for postseason implications as SD Mines was in a three-way tie with Black Hills State and Colorado Christian for the eighth and final spot to gain entrance into the RMAC Shootout. After the dust settled, all three teams are still tied for eighth as CCU fell to MSU Denver, 72-70, and Chadron State upset Black Hills State, 67-60.

The Hardrockers finished Friday's game shooting 50 percent making good on 24-48 shots, including 9-20 from three-point range, and was 12-15 from the free throw line. SD Mines hauled in 27 rebounds, had 11 assists, four steals and four blocks.

The Rangers shot 43 percent from the field, converting 31-72 attempt (3-19 from behind the arc) and was 10-13 from the foul line. The biggest difference in the game came on second-chance opportunities as Regis recorded 20 offensive rebounds in the game and earned 42 total. They also had 13 assists, 12 steals and two blocks.

"The ladies left everything on the floor tonight and that's all we ever ask," said Hardrocker women's basketball head coach Ryan Larsen. "This was a game of two good teams battling it out. In the end we couldn't secure enough defensive rebounds to win. I'm really proud of the way we played offensively and defensively. We were solid but couldn't finish enough possessions."

SD Mines put forth a great offensive effort. Sophomore Taylor Molstad led the charge with 17 points, seven rebounds, two steals and two assists. Freshmen Sami Steffeck and Anna Haugen along with senior Megan Rohrer all finished with 10 points each. Freshmen Cooper Courtney and Molly McCabe also came through with nine markers each.

"Taylor Molstad was awesome," Larsen said. "Megan Rohrer, Sami Steffeck and Anna Haugen had great nights offensively too. Cooper Courtney had three big three-pointers and Krista Showalter had another game of five assists."

Regis was led in scoring by Karlyn Johnson with 15 points, Kaylie Rader had 14 and Majestie Robinson added 12.

The loss drops SD Mines to 11-15 on the season and 9-12 in the RMAC. The Hardrockers will finish the regular season Saturday in Nebraska taking on Chadron State in a 5:30 p.m. matchup.

The Hardrockers are still in a three-way tie and can extend their season if they can pick up a win and both BHSU and Colorado Christian close out their seasons with losses. BHSU takes on the 20-6 Rangers in Denver and CCU faces University of Colorado Colorado Springs (19-8 overall). It will be a great finish to the regular season.

"We obviously really wanted this win but with the outcome of other games we still have a chance to reach the RMAC Tournament," Larsen said. "It's now up to us to seize the opportunity."