DENVER, Colo. – The Regis University men's basketball team (9-5, 4-4 RMAC) fended off the South Dakota School of Mines Hardrockers (6-8, 3-5), 75-61, in a Friday night battle between two teams who were tied in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) standings with 3-4 records in conference play to begin the night.

 A closely contested game for Regis saw many possessions shared between the Rangers and Hardrockers ending without any points. At the end of the first half, RU had been called for 10 personal fouls, sending the visitors to the line for 12 free throws. Although they shot under 39 percent from the field in the first half, Regis trailed by only one points at halftime, 32-33.

Regis gained some momentum in the second half and outscored the Hardrockers, 43-28, over the final 20 minutes. Ranger senior Chris Little, who always seems to have his best games against the Hardrockers, had a season high 22 points to help lead the charge.

The Hardrockers finished the game shooting 44 percent from the field making good on 22-50 attempts, including 6-19 from beyond the arch and 11-15 from the free throw line. They hauled in 41 rebounds, recorded 13 assists, two steals and one blocked shot.

The Rangers hit 29-65 attempts, including 7-22 from the three-point line and had 10-18 on free throws. Regis grabbed 31 rebounds, 13 assists, 14 steals and three blocked shots.

SD Mines was paced by Jack Fiddler whoe had 16 points, three rebounds, three assists and one blocked shot Michell Sueker added 14 points and six rebounds. Allec Williams added eight markers while Damani Hayes, Wilfred Dickson and Trey Smith all contributed with six points.