ST. GEORGE, Utah --- The South Dakota School of Mines men's basketball team put forth a great effort Friday night during the semifinal round of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Men's Basketball Tournament, but fell to the Colorado School of Mines Orediggers, 76-59, in St. George, Utah.

The Orediggers were able to hit some key shots in the first half, including five three-pointers in the 20-minute stretch while SD Mines connected on just one, as Colorado School of Mines took a 34-22 halftime advantage.

The Orediggers continued their assault in the second half and had extended their edge to 20 points around the 14-minute mark, before the Hardrockers were able to regroup.

SD Mines managed to whittle the deficit down to 12 points at the 8:51 mark, but Colorado School of Mines made a second surge and climbed back up by 18 points, 56-38, before the Hardrockers again attempted to mount a comeback.

With a minute and half remaining in the game, Troy Brady posted six quick points to cut the Orediggers' lead down to 11 points (68-57) and nearly added three more, but a long range shot was off target as Colorado School of Mines staved off the comeback at the free-throw line to hang on and advance to the RMAC Championship game. The 'Diggers converted 20-23 free throws in the second half.

For the game, SD Mines made good on 23-58 attempts to shoot 39.7 percent in the game. They were 4-13 from three-point range, and converted 9-14 on free throws. They collected 28 rebounds, 10 assists and six steals.

Colorado Mines finished shooting 44.4 percent, making good on 24-54 attempts, including 7-21 from downtown and 21-25 from the foul line. They hauled in 40 rebounds, had 10 assists, five steals and three blocked shots.

Individually, Allec Williams pace the 'Rockers with 15 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and one steal. Logan Elers tacked on 12 points, three rebounds, one steal and one assist. Jack Fiddler contributed with six points and five rebounds while Tristan Von Nieda put up four markers and two steals.

The Hardrockers season ended with a 17-13 overall record. It was their first-ever trip to the RMAC post-season tournament and first post-season win after defeating Black Hills State, 80-71, in the quarterfinal round.