GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. --- Strong play in the paint lifted the Colorado Mesa Mavericks over the South Dakota School of Mines men's basketball team, 80-71, during a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference matchup Friday night in Grand Junction, Colorado.

CMU's Damon Dubots and Connor Nichols accounted for over half their team's points all coming in the paint as Dubots notched 28 and Nichols posted 22. The 'Rockers on the other hand had a well balanced offense with five players scoring in double figures.

The Mavericks were able to break loose from SD Mines defense midway through the first half and went into halftime with a 44-33 advantage. The 'Rockers outscored Mesa over the final 20 minutes, 38-36, but couldn't find a foothold down the stretch.

SD Mines closed out the game shooting 51 percent from the field, knocking down 26-51 attempts, including 3-12 from three point range. The 'Rockers converted 16-20 from the free throw line. They grabbed 30 rebounds, recorded 12 assists and seven steals.

The Mavericks finished the night making good on 29-52 to shoot 55.8 percent from the field. They hit 5-13 from downtown, had a 17-25 showing at the foul line, came down with 27 rebounds, 16 assists and 10 steals.

SD Mines was led by Mitchell Sueker with 26 points, one rebound and three assists. Allec Williams cashed in for 15 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Logan Elers contributed with 13 markers, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Damani Hayes added 10 points and eight rebounds and Troy Brady also had 10 points in the game.