DENVER, Colo. --- The South Dakota School of Mines men's basketball team shook off an early stumble in the second half of play against the Regis University Rangers Friday night during a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference matchup in Denver, Colo., and nearly pulled off a late rally.

Unfortunately for the 'Rockers, time ran out as the comeback fell short and the Rangers escaped with a 77-69 win.

After a competitive first half, the Rangers broke away in the waning moments to take a 10-point edge, 40-30. With 13 lead changes over the first 20 minutes, SD Mines controlled the pace of the game for much of that period.

Regis applied some pressure to open the second half and capitalized on some early turnovers, nabbing 19 points off of steals and by the 8:26 mark had a 20-point advantage. The Hardrockers were able to regroup and got to within four points with just over 30 seconds to play, 73-69. Regis managed to stop the Hardrockers' advance and held on for the win. SD Mines outscored the Rangers, 39-37, over the final 20 minutes.

The Hardrockers shot 49.2 percent from the field Friday, hitting 29-59 attempts and 6-17 from behind the arch. The were 5-6 from the free throw line, snagged 35 rebounds, recorded 14 assists and earned three steals.

The Rangers converted 31-64 attempts to shoot 48.4 percent from the field. They knocked down 7-18 from the three-point line and hit just 8-18 on free throws. The came down with 36 rebounds, added 15 assists, 13 steals and three blocks.

SD Mines senior Brian Orr led his team with 16 points, seven rebounds and one assist. Freshman Troy Brady tacked on 14 markers, five assists and three rebounds. Freshman Wilfred Dickson contributed with 10 points and sophomore Logan Elers added eight markers.

Regis was paced by Jarrett Brodbeck with 14 points while Dexter Sienko added 11 and both Christian Little and Avonte Nelms cashed in for 10 markers.

The loss drops SD Mines to 7-19 on the season and 4-17 in RMAC play. The Hardrockers will end the season Saturday night in Nebraska, taking on Chadron State in a 7:30 p.m. game.