GUNNISON, Colo. --- The elevation may have gotten the better of the South Dakota School of Mines men's basketball team Friday night in Gunnison, Colo.

After erasing a 12-point first half deficit, the Hardrockers overtook their Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference opponents, Western State Colorado University, to take an early second half advantage. It was a short-lived lead as the Mountaineers regrouped and rallied back over the final 10 minutes to earn an 87-75 win.

Western State jumped on SD Mines early, leading, 12-2, before the 'Rockers could settle in. The Mountaineers tried several times to put the game away early, but the Hardrockers perseverance shined bright, keeping within striking distances for the entire game.

The home team led by seven at the half, 40-33. The 'Rockers tied the game around the 15-minute mark of the second half and led by three points with 14:23 remaining in the game. The Mountaineers took advantage of their claim-to-fame "highest elevation gym in the world" to put down the 'Rockers over the final 10 minutes, bettering the visitors, 47-42, in the second half.

The Hardrockers shot pretty well from the field Friday, making good on 28-54 attempts for 51.9 percent. They were 4-15 from the three-point line and 15-21 on free throws. SD Mines grabbed 32 rebounds, collected 10 assists, two steals and had five blocked shots.

Western State (8-12, 6-8) converted 32-59 baskets and shot 54.2 percent from the field. The Mountaineers were 8-23 from the arch and got 15-18 from the free throw line. They collected 28 rebounds, 13 assists, five steals and a blocked shot.

Individually for the Hardrockers, sophomore Logan Elers paced the team with 18 points, seven rebounds, two assists and one block. Freshman Troy Brady and sophomore Jack Fiddler both contributed with 12 points while senior Brian Orr and sophomore Jake Heath each tacked on 10 markers.

The loss drops SD Mines to 6-13 on the season and 3-11 in the RMAC. Next up, the Hardrockers will challenge the Colorado Mesa Mavericks Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. in Grand Junction, Colo.