LAKEWOOD, Colo. --- The South Dakota School of Mines women's basketball team jumped out to an early lead and never looked back as the Hardrockers defeated Colorado Christian, 68-56, Saturday evening during a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference matchup in Lakewoood, Colorado.

SD Mines took a 23-8 first-quarter lead and then went into halftime up by 12 points, 35-23. The 'Rockers cruised in the second half, taking a 17-point advantage after the third quarter, 54-37, as the 'Rockers earned their third conference win of the season and improved their overall record to 5-8.

SD Mines finished the game shooting 40 percent from the field, making good on 22-55 attempts, including 6-17 from three-point range and an 18-24 performance from the free throw line. They hauled in 47 rebounds, had 13 assists and five steals.

The Cougars ended the game converting 21-55 shots to shoot 38.2 percent from the field, including 5-13 from downtown and 9-14 from the foul line. they notched 25 rebounds, nine assists, eight steals and four blocked shots.

Anna Haugen had another double-double for the 'Rockers, etching 14 points and coming down with 10 rebounds. Naomi Hildalgo had a career high 16 points for SD Mines and added nine rebounds and four assists. Ryan Weiss tacked on 11 points and Sydney Leeper contributed with seven markers.