RAPID CITY, S.D. --- With much of its roster decimated from the flu bug, the South Dakota School of Mines men's basketball team had a tough time Friday night, playing host to the Western State Colorado University Mountaineers, during a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference matchup at the King Center in Rapid City, S.D.

The Hardrockers put forth a competitive battle, but couldn't close deal down the stretch, falling to Western State, 77-66.

Western (11-15, 9-11 RMAC) got out to a rocky start against the SD Mines (7-18, 4-10 RMAC). At the 7:48 mark of the first half, the Hardrockers had mounted a 10 point edge, 19-9.
 
The Mountaineers rallied back with a 15-5 run over the following 6:41 and took a 31-29 lead into halftime.
 
The second half was dominated by Western. The Mountaineers led by as many as 13 points with 7:23 left to play. At the end of the game, Western held an 11-point advantage, 77-66. The Mountaineers shot 66.7 percent (16-of-24) from the field in the second half, and ended the game with a 57.1 (28-of-49) field goal percentage.

The Hardrockers finished the game shooting 47.2 percent from the field making good on 25-53 attempts including 8-22 from the three-point line and 8-10 on free throws. SD Mines collected 27 rebounds, recorded 12 assists, two steals and two blocks.

The 'Rockers were paced by senior Jordan Rood with a career high 13 points. Freshman Troy Brady and senior Brian Orr each contributed with 12 points and sophomore Tristan Von Nieda cashed in for 10 markers.

Ben Beauchamp led Western in scoring with 19 points, while also grabbing four rebounds and earning three assists. Collin Smith, Brady Subart and Quincy Harding also scored in double figures for the Mountaineers. Smith added 17 points, while Subart scored 15 to go along with Harding's 11.

The Hardrockers will close out the season on the road, traveling to Denver on Friday to take on Regis University and then finishing the year in Nebraska against Chadron State College on Saturday.