SPEARFISH, S.D. --- The South Dakota School of Mines men's basketball team gave the No. 15 ranked Northern State Wolves a good scare Friday night during the opening game of the East vs. West Challenge in Spearfish, S.D., but NSU was able to escape with a 69-63 win.

The Hardrockers kept it close for the entire game despite trailing by 11 points at the half, 37-26. SD Mines did outscore Northern, 37-32, over the final 20 minutes, but couldn't quite erase the entire deficit down the stretch.

SD Mines finished the game shooting 41 percent from the field and made good on 7-28 from three-point range. The converted 10-16 from the free throw line, had 25 total rebounds, notched six assists and five steals.

NSU closed out the game making good on 28-52 attempts, hit 6-18 from downtown, was 7-10 from the foul line, had 36 rebounds, eight assists and two steals.

Individually, Mitchell Sueker led the way for SDSMT with 17 points, four rebounds and one assist. Logan Elers contributed to the 'Rockers with 14 points, three rebounds and a steal. Tristan Von Nieda and Damani Hayes both contributed with nine points.