DENVER, COLO. --- The South Dakota School of Mines men's basketball team came back from a 26-point first half deficit and took a one-point edge halfway through the second half of a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference matchup Friday night against the Regis University Rangers in Denver, Colo.

Unfortunately for the Hardrockers, the Rangers shot lights out from perimeter and were able to stave off the SD Mines rally, escaping with the win, 86-77.

And despite the loss, fate fell the way for the Hardrockers around the league to still give SD Mines one last opportunity to make the RMAC Shootout postseason tournament. With New Mexico Highlands and Black Hills State claiming victories Friday night, there's one scenario that have to play out in order for the 'Rockers to punch their postseason ticket.

If the Hardrockers can earn a win against Chadron Saturday night, they will also need New Mexico Highlands to defeat Western State. Adams State will also have to lose its final game of the year at Westminster College.

That scenario would put the 'Rockers, Cowboys and Grizzlies in a three-way tie for eighth-place. Using the RMAC's tie-breaking system, the Hardrockers would have enough points needed (based on opponents won-loss road records) to come out on top for the final spot for the tournament (if the math holds up).

Back to Friday's contest, the Rangers had a strong start to the game quickly gaining the lead thanks to some impressive perimeter shooting and quick buckets in transition. The Hardrockers on the other hand stumbled at the start and it took a while before they were able to find their stride and claw their way back in.

Regis went up by 26 points with just under five minutes left in the first quarter. The Hardrockers made some adjustments and by halftime had chipped away at the home team's advantage, down by 15 points, 45-30.

The Hardrockers started the second half with an 11-0 run and used a stifling defense and offensive momentum to climb back into the game. SD Mines caught and overtook Regis with just under eight minutes to play in the game.

"Being down by 26 points and coming back like that shows the toughness in our guys," said Hardrocker men's basketball head coach Jason Henry. "We have to start out a heck of a lot better tomorrow and still play with that Hardrocker fight --- and find a way to win. We had to go zone when we got behind as Regis is playing so well on the offensive end right now. That is a heck of a team that can beat anyone come tournament time."

The Hardrockers outscored the Rangers, 47-41, over the final 20 minutes. Regis hit some clutch threes down the stretch to quell the Hardrocker rally as SD Mines falls to 12-14 on the season and 9-13 in conference play.

SD Mines finished the game shooting 47 percent from the field, hitting 28-60 attempts, 6-18 from the three-point line and was 15-19 from the free throw line. The Hardrockers grabbed 31 rebounds, had 12 assists, seven steals and two dunks.

Regis was a red-hot 52 percent from the field connecting on 32-62 attempts, making good on 12-25 from three-point range, and went 10-11 from the foul line. The Rangers recorded 33 rebounds, had 18 assists, seven steals and three blocks.

Individually for the 'Rockers, junior Brian Orr came off the bench and cashed in for 19 points to lead his team. Senior Jamall Taylor added 18 points, seven assists, four steals and four rebounds. Fellow senior Konor Kulas delivered 17 points and four rebounds. Seniors Troy Whiteto and Marco Pascolo also contributed with seven points each.

Regis was paced in scoring by Jarrett Brodbeck, who went 7-10 from behind the arc for 25 points, Christian Little had 15 and Dexter Sienko added 12.

The Hardrockers do not control their own fate heading into the final game of the regular season Saturday, but things are falling into place to give them one final chance as the RMAC Shootout draws nearer. SD Mines faces Chadron in Nebraska in a 7:30 p.m. matchup.