RAPID CITY, S.D. --- It's been quite a ride for the Hardrocker men's basketball team to open the 2020-21 season.

Not only have the Hardrockers have had to navigate through the challenges of COVID-19, the squad has also had to get nine brand new players up-to-speed on South Dakota Mines philosophies. Add in the fact that the 'Rockers have had to play all their games on the road and it can be a real strain on anyone.

South Dakota Mines is back from a much-needed holiday break and ready for the next part of the scheduled. It just so happens that it is yet another game on the road. This time SDM will made a long Colorado road trip to face Fort Lewis College and Western Colorado University.

These Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference matchups were originally scheduled as the season openers back at the end of November, but had to be pushed back to January due to COVID-19 concerns.

The 'Rockers will head into this round of games fresh off a win over Colorado Christian University back on Dec. 19. South Dakota Mines defeated the Cougars, 74-57, and are 2-3 on the season.

The Hardrockers are led by senior Wilfred Dickson who is averaging 10.0 ppg while shooting 42 percent from the field. Kolten Mortensen is cashing in for 9.0 pgg and leads the team in rebounding with 6.8 rpg. Brannagh Walsh and Brevin Walter are also contributing to the Hardrocker offense as each is putting in just over 8 ppg.

Next up for the 'Rockers will be Fort Lewis College in a Sunday afternoon bout. The Skyhawks are 2-2 on the season last falling to No. 5 Colorado School of Mines, 79-75, on Dec. 19. They also fell to CCU, 79-84. FLC's two victories both came over Western Colorado University earning 20-point wins in both outings.

The Skyhawks are led by Riley Farris who is averaging nearly 30 minutes a game and putting up 19 ppg and 7 rpg. Dunnell Stafford is cashing in for 12.5 ppg while Will Wittman and Akuel Kot are both averaging 10.3 ppg.

Sunday's game is scheduled for a 4 p.m. start and will be streamed live on the Hardrocker Network at www.gorockers.com . Live stats will also be available.
The 'Rockers will then travel to Gunnison for a Tuesday game against Western Colorado University.

The Mountaineers are still looking for their first win of the season posting a 0-4 overall record. Along with the two losses to Fort Lewis, they fell to MSU Denver, 74-72, and was then defeated by Colorado School of Mines, 67-57.

On paper, WCU has some good numbers. Matthew Ragsdale leads the team with 14 ppg, while Jackson Ehrlin puts up 12.5 ppg and comes down with 10.3 rpg. Cole Sienknecht and Avery Rembao also contribute, both scoring just over 11 ppg.

Tuesday's game will tipoff at 4 p.m. and will be streamed live on the Hardrocker Network at www.gorockers.com.