LAKEWOOD, Colo. --- The South Dakota Mines women's basketball team came up just short Saturday afternoon, falling to Colorado Christian University, 76-56, during a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference matchup in Lakewood, Colorado.

The Hardrockers were able to erase a fourth-quarter, 13-point deficit, whittling the Cougars' advantage down to three points with just over a minute to play, 67-70, but a three-pointer down the stretch pushed the home team's lead to six and dashed the 'Rockers chance at a comeback.

The first quarter was a high scoring affair as both squads posted 25 points. The 'Rockers saw a good offensive production in the paint as Naomi Hidalgo registered 16 first-half points for South Dakota Mines and Melissa Johnstone scored nine points in the first two quarters. CCU was able to stifle the sophomore in the second half, scoring just two markers.

The Cougars were able to gain a little traction in the second quarter, outscoring SDM, 17-12, and went into halftime up, 42-37.

The third quarter saw the Cougars add to their edge, bettering South Dakota Mines, 19-14, and entered the final frame with a 10-point lead, 61-51. The Hardrockers outscored CCU in the fourth quarter, 18-15, but could not close the gap down the stretch.

The Hardrockers finished the game shooting 44.44 percent making good on 28-66 attempts, including 6-20 from the three-point line and converted 7-8 from the charity stripe. They collected 39 rebounds, 13 of which were offensive boards. They also tallied 15 assists, five steals and one blocked shot.

The Cougars ended the game shooting 48.3 percent from the field dishing in 28-58 attempts, including 4-14 three-pointers and collected 16-24 on free throws.

Hidalgo led the 'Rockers with a double-double. She registered 18 points and 10 rebounds and one assist. Ryan Weiss added 14 points, six rebounds, three steals and an assist. Johnstone tacked on nine points and Bailey Johnson contributed with six points while Anna Combalia recorded seven assists, three points, and three rebounds.

The Cougars were led in scoring by Lourdes Gonzalez with 24 points, McClain Walker had 14 and Taylor Ferris added 11.