GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. --- The Mavericks were looking to go perfect on the weekend for the first time since Nov. 24-25 as they played host to the Hardrockers of South Dakota School of Mines (SDSMT). The Hardrockers kept it close almost pulling off a late rally, but a run by the home team late in the second half helped propel CMU to a 77-71 victory.
 
It was a close game in the first half, with the Mavericks only able to gain a six-point (35-29) advantage going into the locker room. That was thanks to the Hardrockers four three-point makes to the Mavericks one.
 
The second half was a back and forth affair with both teams having runs of their own. SDSM was able to fight their way back to tie the game up at 43-43 with 12:56 to go in the half. CMU responded with a 9-0 run over the next three minutes to push their lead to 52-43. The Mavericks would never lose the lead from that point on for the remainder of the game.
 
Offensively the Mavericks were able to shoot 54 percent from the field, despite going 1-9 from deep. A lot of CMU's game was focused around points in the paint and getting shots at the rim. CMU won the points in the paint 42-24 on the night. Getting the ball down low also allowed the Mavericks to dominate the free throw game. As a team they finished 18-22 from the line, compared to 10-14 for the Hardrockers.
 
Defensively the Mavericks were all over the court as well, only allowing SDSM to shoot 40 percent from the field. However, as a team they were able to make nine shots from deep to help keep the game within striking distance.
The Hardrockers finished the game shooting 40.6 percent from the field, connecting on 26-64 attempts. They hit 9-24 from the three-point line and had a 10-14 performance from the free throw line. SD Mines collected 32 rebounds, earned 16 assists, two steals and one blocked shot.
 
All five starters finished in double figures for the Mavericks, led by Connor Nichols who finished with 19 points and seven boards. Emilio Acedo was second with 16 followed by Damon Dubots with 13.
The 'Rockers were paced by sophomore Tristan Von Nieda with 18 points, nine rebounds and two assists. Freshman Troy Brad was a great compliment on the perimeter, cashing in for 16 points (four three-point goals) and sophomore Jake Heath tacked on 12 markers (four from three-point range). Sophomore Jack Fiddler and sophomore Logan Elers both chipped in for eight points.
 
With the win the Mavericks have won two games in a row for the first time since they won five games dating back to the end of November. They now sit at 10-11 on the year and 6-9 in the conference. Next weekend the Mavericks take to the road to face Western State and Westminster.
The Hardrockers dropped to 6-14 on the season and 3-12 in RMAC play. Next up the Hardrockers challenge UCCS Friday in Colorado Springs, Colo., and then play MSU Denver on Saturday.