RAPID CITY, S.D. --- The South Dakota School of Mines men's basketball team was able to fend off a pesky Nebraska Christian College squad as the Hardrockers defeated the Sentinels, 84-78, Monday afternoon at the King Center in Rapid City, South Dakota.

It was the first game for the 'Rockers in two weeks and it took a little bit to dust the cobwebs off for SD Mines.

But once they got rolling, the Hardrockers were able to take the lead and sustain it for a majority of the game. SD Mines led by five at the half, 40-35, and thanks to some perimeter shooting down the stretch, outscored a very good NCC team, 44-43, over the final 20 minutes.

The 'Rockers closed out the day shooting 57.8 percent from the field, making good on 26-45, including 14 from behind the arch and converted 18-28 from the free throw line. The home team grabbed 19 rebounds, notched 23 assists, five steals and three blocks.

The Sentinels finished shooting 51.9 percent from the field, making good on 27-52 attempts, including 13-28 from behind the arch and were 11-13 from the foul line. The visitors came down with 28 rebounds, posted 16 assists and seven rebounds.

Individually for the 'Rockers, Mitchell Sueker led the way with 23 points, three rebounds, five assists and one block. Troy Brady contributed with 15 points (five three-pointers), three rebounds, two steals and two assists. Logan Elers also cashed in for 15 points and posted five rebounds, seven assists, one block and one steal.