CHADRON, Neb. --- It took three overtime periods for the South Dakota School of Mines men's basketball team to close out the 2017-18 season, where the Hardrockers pulled off a thrilling, 88-85, over Chadron State College Saturday night in Chadron, Neb., during the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference season finale.

It was a tough and physical game where neither team could gain a foothold. When one team was able to go on a run, the other team would regroup and erase any type of deficit. The game was tied 11 times and there were 11 different lead changes throughout the night.

The Hardrockers' biggest lead was 11 points midway through the second half while the Eagles held an eight point edge at the eight-minute mark of the first half.

SD Mines led by one point at the half, 39-38, while Chadron State outscored the visitors, 27-26, over the second 20 minutes. Both teams put up seven points in the first OT and four points each in the second extra period. The 'Rockers cashed in for 12 markers in the final overtime while CSC managed nine points.

Clutch three-pointers in the third OT decided the game as sophomore Jake Heath and freshman Troy Brady were on point down the stretch to pull out in front while the 'Rocker defense stepped up in the waning moments to secure the victory.

The Hardrockers shot 50 percent on the night, making good on 31-62 attempts, including 8-19 from three point range and were 18-30 from the free throw line. The 'Rockers came down with 41 rebounds, notched 12 assists, seven steals and one blocked shot.

Chadron State shot 43.8 percent from the field converting 32-73 attempts, including 7-18 from behind the arc and 14-23 on free throws. They snagged 37 rebounds, eight assists, 10 steals and three blocks.

Individually for the Hardrockers, senior Brian Orr, playing in his final game for SD Mines, finished with 22 points, six rebounds and one blocked shot. Freshman Wilfred Dickson added 14 points, eight rebounds and one steal; Heath contributed with 12 points; and Brady tacked on 10 markers, two assists and two steals.

Chadron was paced by former SD Mines player Jaisean Jackson with 26 points, Matt Reader dished in for 17 points and Leigh Saffin posted 10 points.

Saturday win snaps a five-game skid for SD Mines and the 'Rockers finish the 2017-18 season with an 8-19 overall record and 5-17 in the RMAC. Chadron ends the year on a 20-game losing streak posting a 3-25 overall record and 1-21 in conference play.