RAPID CITY, S.D. --- The South Dakota School of Mines men's basketball team played a very competitive game Friday night as the Hardrockers took on the Dixie State Trailblazers in an Rock Mountain Athletic Conference matchup. It was also the first time the two programs had met on the hard wood.

The Trailblazers were able to hold off the Hardrockers down the stretch and escaped with a 71-65 victory.

Dixie State had a lot of height and a lot of the Trailblazers' point production came in the paint. DSU netted 36 points underneath and also out rebounds SD Mines, 50-28.

After leading by as much as nine points with eight minutes left in the first quarter, the 'Rockers went on an eight point run and by halftime had cut the deficit down to two points, 33-31. The visitors outscored SD Mines, 38-34, and converted some free throws down the stretch to get the RMAC win.

The Hardrockers closed out the game shooting 40.7 percent converting 24-59 from the field including eight from three-point range and hit 9-11 from the free throw line. They also recorded 19 assists, and four steals. Dixie State made good on 28-61 from the field to shoot 45.9 percent, including 5-16 from behind the arch, and converted 10-17 from the foul line.

Individually for the 'Rockers, Logan Elers paced the team with 16 points, four rebounds and two assists. Troy Brady contributed with 14 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Damani Hayes added 11 markers, five rebounds and two assists. Allec Williams had a game-high six assists.