Kearney, Neb – The South Dakota School of Mines men's basketball nearly pulled off a dramatic comeback over the University of Nebraska - Kearney, but fell just short at the Lopers were able to hold off the Hardrocker, 63-62, Friday night in Nebraska.

UNK (3-3) finishes up 3-1 against a slate of Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) foes this year. Meanwhile the Hardrockers drop to 2-3.

The Lopers, leading for 35 minutes on the night, seemingly had things sewn up as they lead, 61-46, with 3:44 remaining. That lead came as a result of an 11-2 run and was highlighted by points from four different players.

However, Mines made six of its last eight shots while UNK missed four free throws and committed three turnovers in the final four minutes to make things way too interesting. An offensive foul called on the 'Rockers, with 10 seconds left, in the lane was key as Kearney was up just 63-59 at that point.

Mines came out firing and had tied things up at 38, five minutes into the second half but UNK never fell behind, leading 50-41 by the 9:41 mark.

Troy Brady hit a three-pointer at the buzzer to pull within one point but the visitors just ran out of time.

Allec William and Mitchell Sueker paced the 'Rockers, each dishing in 12 points, while Brady and Logan Elers contributed with 11 markers each. Tristan Von Nieda added nine points.