RAPID CITY, S.D. --- The South Dakota School of Mines men's basketball team earned its third straight Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference victory Saturday night, defeating the Western Colorado University Mountaineers, 71-55, at the King Center in Rapid City, South Dakota.

The Hardrockers got off to another hot start, taking the lead from the opening tip and never looked back. The 'Rockers led, 39-24, at the half and then outscored WCU, 32-31, over the final 20 minutes to earn the 16-point win.

SD Mines shot 47.5 percent from the field Saturday, hitting 28-59 attempts. They added a 13-17 from the foul line, came down with 40 rebounds, eight assists, seven rebounds and three blocked shots.

Western Colorado made good on 22-60 attempts to shoot 33.33 percent from the field and was just 5-7 from the free throw line. They recorded 30 rebounds, 10 assists, three steals and two blocked shots.

SD Mines has another balanced scoring attack with Allec Williams leading the way wit h19 points, eight rebounds, three assists and one steal. Mitchell Sueker tacked on 16 markers, five rebounds and one assists. Logan Elers also had 16 points and added five rebounds and a steal. Damani Hayes contributed with 15 points, eight rebounds and two assists.