RAPID CITY, S.D. --- The South Dakota Mines men's basketball team won its first home game in the Covid era against the Regis University Rangers 74-70 in the King Center Friday night. The win is the first-ever win over Regis, and it evens the Rockers overall and conference record to 4-4. While the loss drops the Rangers to 1-4 overall and in the RMAC.

In front of an empty arena, the Rockers stormed out to an early lead in the first half. The Hardrockers went on an eight-point run midway thru the first half to go up eight. The Hardrockers built their lead to as much as 14 with five minutes left in the half. But the Rangers battled back to pull within seven at halftime.

The Rockers and Rangers exchanged baskets the first part of the second half. With seven minutes Regis went on an 8-0 run to cut into the 'Rockers lead. With four minutes left Brian Dawson of Regis tied the game with a three-pointer. The Rockers' Kolten Mortensen made a fade away hook shot to put the Hardrockers up for good with two min to go. Down the stretch, Alejandro Rama sealed the game at the free throw line to end the game.

The Hardrockers were led by Wilfred Dickson with 18 points. Mortensen followed up with 12 points, while Brannagh Walsh, Brevin Walter, and Keagen Smith chipped in 11 each. Overall the 'Rockers shot 47.4 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from three-point land.

Dawson had the hot hand tonight for the Rangers as he dropped 32 to lead all scorers.