DENVER, Colo. --- The South Dakota School of Mines men's basketball team had several opportunities t down the stretch to get back into the game Saturday night in Denver, Colo., but sometimes the ball just won't fall into the basket.
The Hardrockers could not muster enough offense late in the second half as the MSU Denver Roadrunners staved off a late rally to hang on for a 63-55 win, during a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference matchup.
The Roadrunners have one of the top defenses in the conference which was on full display Saturday. The Hardrockers did manage to push forward and took a 29-26 halftime lead, thanks in part to knocking down some long range shots during key possessions as well as getting quite a few offensive rebounds.
The Hardrockers extended their lead to a seven-point advantage early in the second half before the home team was able to put the clamps on. They took away SD Mines' outside shots --- and buckets were hard to come by in the paint.
MSU Denver went on a run midway through the second half gathering a five-point edge midway through the final frame and, thanks to a spotty performance at the foul line, were able to squeak out the win.
The Hardrockers finished the game shooting 34.4 percent in the game making good on 21-61 attempts, including a 6-22 performance from behind the arch. They were a perfect 7-7 from the free throw line, added 39 rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block.
The Roadrunners converted 23-52 baskets on the night to shoot 44.2 percent from the field. They added 7-17 from the three-point line, were 10-20 from the free throw line, collected 34 rebounds, had six assists, seven steals and four blocked shots.
SD Mines freshman
Troy Brady paced his team with 14 points, three rebounds and one assist. Sophomore
Jake Heath contributed with 14 points, three rebounds and an assist while sophomore
Logan Elers and freshman
Wilfred Dickson each cashed in for 10 points.
Cameron Williams led MSUD (13-10, 12-5) with 21 points and Alec Williams added 16.
The Hardrockers fall to 7-15 on the season and 4-13 in the RMAC. Next up, SD Mines plays host to Black Hills State Tuesday night in a 7:30 p.m. showdown at the King Center in Rapid City.
