DURANGO, Colo. --- The South Dakota School of Mines women's basketball team kept within striking distance for three quarters against the Fort Lewis College Skyhawks Saturday night during a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference matchup in Durango, Colorado.

But four consecutive three-pointers to open the fourth quarter by the home team busted the game wide open for the Skyhawks as the Hardrockers dropped the contest, 62-44.

The 'Rockers had a little trouble getting started in the early goings, falling behind, 21-14, after the first quarter,  but then turned the momentum with some stingy defense in the second period and got to within three points, 26-23, before teh Skyhawks went on to take a 37-29 halftime advantage.

The third quarter saw low scoring for both squads, with FLC dishing in five points while SD Mines netted just four markers. Heading into the fourth quarter, Fort Lewis held an 11-point edge, 42-33.

After the perimeter assault of three pointers to open the final frame, the Skyhawks outscored the visitors, 20-11, down the stretch.

The Hardrockers finished 15-47 from the field to shoot 31.9 percent while Fort Lewis had a 45.6 shooting percentage, converting 26-47.

The 'Rockers made good on 7-18 from the three-point line, made 7-10 on free throws, came down with 33 rebounds, recorded 12 assists and came away with six steals.

The Skyhawks hit 10-21 from behind the arch and were 0-1 on free throw tries. FLC came down with 29 rebounds, had 17 assists and eight steals.

Individually for SD Mines, Taylor Molstad paced her team with 12 points, four rebounds, two steals and one assist. Sami Steffek added eight points, and Melissa Johnstone contributed with seven markers.