RAPID CITY, S.D. --- The South Dakota School of Mines men's basketball team attempted an intense rally down the stretch, but couldn't pull off the comeback as the Adams State Grizzlies held off the Hardrockers, 80-70, Friday night during a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference matchup at the King Center in Rapid City, S.D.

Adams State used a strong inside game to gain an 11-point halftime edge, 39-28. The Hardrockers rose to the challenge over the final 20 minutes, slowly chipping away at the edge and midway through the second half had cut the deficit down to two points.

The visitors were able regroup down the stretch and gain some breathing room, holding off a Hardrocker rally and escape with the win. SD Mines did outscore Adams State, 42-41, in the second half.

The 'Rockers shot 40 percent on the night, hitting 24-60 shots. They were 7-20 from the three-point line and converted 15-20 from the free throw line. SD Mines came down with 25 rebounds, recorded 14 assists, seven steal and one blocked shot.

Adams State shot 52.7 percent from the field making good on 29-55 attempts. They added 4-14 from three-point range and had an 18-23 showing from the foul line. The Grizzlies collected 27 rebounds, 10 assist, eight steals and seven blocked shots.

Individually for the 'Rockers, sophomore Logan Elers led the way with 20 points, five rebounds, two assists and a blocked shot. Senior Brian Orr contributed with 15 points and junior Jacob Anastasi tacked on nine markers.

The loss drops SD Mines to 6-9 on the season and 3-7 in conference play. Next up, the Hardrockers take on the No. 21 ranked Fort Lewis College Skyhawks Saturday at the King Center in a 5:30 p.m. tipoff.