LAS VEGAS, N.M. – The South Dakota School of Mines men's basketball team was a little overwhelmed Saturday night as the Hardrockers fell to the New Mexico Highlands Cowboys, 84-56, during a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference matchup in Las Vegas, N.M.

New Mexico Highlands was red hot Saturday, outscoring the visitors, 46-32, in the first half and then kept it going over the final 20 minutes outscoring SD Mines, 38-24.

The Hardrockers shot 40.4 percent from the field Saturday connecting on 21-52 attempts. SD Mines connected on 5-17 from the three-point line and converted 9-11 from the free throw line. The 'Rockers collected 17 rebounds, recorded seven assists and six steals.

The Cowboys shot 51.7 percent from the field making good on 31-60 baskets, including an impressive 11-25 from behind the arch and 11-12 from the foul line. New Mexico grabbed 33 rebounds, had 14 assists and eight steals.

SD Mines sophomore Jake Heath paced his squad with 11 points, four assists, three rebounds and a steal. Freshman Isaac Kortemeyer tacked on 10 points and one rebound while Troy Brady contributed with nine points and sophomore Logan Elers added eight markers.

The loss drops SD Mines to 6-8 on the season and 3-6 in the conference. Next on the schedule for the 'Rockers is a matchup against Adams State Friday followed by a bout against Fort Lewis College Saturday in Rapid City, S.D.