CHADRON, Neb. --- The South Dakota School of Mines men's basketball team put forth a great effort Friday night, but couldn't pull off a late second-half rally during a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference matchup in Nebraska as the Eagles escaped with a 69-65 victory.

After a strong first half where the Hardrockers held a 40-28 advantage, the Eagles snuck back into the game over the final 20 minutes, capitalizing on a SD Mines scoring drought to open the second half. The home team overtook the 'Rockers and held on down the stretch thanks to some clutch free throws. The Eagles bettered SD Mines, 41-25, in the second period.

SD Mines ended the night shooting 20-45 attempts to shoot 44.4 percent, including 7-13 from the three-point line and 18-23 on free throws. The 'Rockers hauled in 27 rebounds, had seven assits, eight steals and three blocks.

The Eagles finished shooting 50 percent from the field making good on 24-48 attempts, including 6-12 on three-pointers and 15-23 from the foul line. The came down with 27 rebounds, recorded 12 assists, five steals and two blocks.

The 'Rockers were led by Jack Fiddler off the bench with 17 points, including a 5-5 performance from behind the arch. Jake Anastasi with 13 points, four rebounds, one steal and one block. Mitchell Sueker contributed with 15 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three steals. Troy Brady cashed in for nine points while Damani Hayes tacked on six markers, seven rebounds, one assist, two steals and one block.