RAPID CITY, S.D. --- After an impressive win the previous night, the South Dakota School of Mines men's basketball team put forth a great effort and took another game down to wire Saturday evening against the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference's No. 3 ranked New Mexico Highlands Cowboys at the King Center in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Trailing by three points, 73-70, and with 3.9 seconds remaining in regulation, the Hardrockers were able to get one final shot off to beat the buzzer, but the ball missed it's mark as the Cowboys escaped with the win.

Despite the loss, basketball fans were treated to a very good back-and-forth competitive contest that saw 15 lead changes and the score tied on five different occasions.

The Hardrockers had another strong start and did a commendable job of handling the Cowboys and their up-tempo style of play and aggressive full-court pressure. At the half, SD Mines held a three-point advantage, 35-32. New Mexico Highlands outscored the 'Rockers over the final 20 minutes, 41-35.

The Hardrockers shot 48 percent from the field Saturday, converting 27-57 attempts, including 8-18 from behind the arch. They hit 8-11 on free throws, came down with 47 rebounds, notched 18 assists, two steals and two blocked shots.

The Cowboys closed out the night shooting 37.9 percent, knocking down 25-66 baskets, including 9-27 from the three-point line. They made good on 14-17 from the foul line, hauled in 28 rebounds, nine assists, 12 steals and two blocked shots.

Four Hardrockers finished with double digits in the scorer's book. Logan Elers marked a double-double with 13 points and 18 rebounds. Mitchell Sueker led the 'Rockers with 17 points, six rebounds, one assist and one steal. Troy Brady had a great effort with 16 points and three rebounds. Allec Williams also hit some big shots and finished with 13 points, four assists and one rebound. Damani Hayes came up with 11 rebounds on the night.