RAPID CITY, S.D. --- The Hardrockers battled throughout the second half and 4th quarter, cutting what at one point was a 20-point deficit to 10 multiple times, but couldn't get closer, falling to the University of Sioux Falls.

To start the game, both teams were getting buckets with Piper Bauer getting on the board for the Hardrockers first, with a three-pointer off the assist from Madelyn Heiser and hockey assist from Ryan Weiss. Going into the first media timeout, USF held a 12-7 lead. Out of the timeout, the offense would slow a bit, going into the second quarter, the Hardrockers trailed 18-9.

Early in the second quarter, the Cougars would have all the momentum, going up 29-11 before a three-pointer from Bauer, then a layup by Naomi Hidalgo. Later in the second, the Hardrockers would get the offense going again but would trail 42-25 at half after a deep three-pointer at the buzzer by Anna Combalia.

In the third quarter, both offenses started slow, with just two points being scored in the first 3:30 seconds of the second half. Weiss would hit two free throws for the Hardrockers to open up their second-half scoring with 5:55 to play in the third. Going into the media timeout, the Hardrockers trailed 49-30. Weiss for the Hardrockers, scoring in bunches. As a result, going into the 4th, the Hardrockers cut the deficit to 53-40.

After a three for Sioux Falls extended their lead to 56-40, the Hardrockers would continue to fight back, but could not cut the deficit going into the media timeout, down 61-46. A pair of free throws and layup by Hidalgo, followed by an offensive rebound by Jansi Merz and a Combalia three cut the deficit to 10, 63-53. The Hardrockers would not be able to cut the deficit any further, falling 70-57.

A Postgame Interview with Jeri Jacobson is below. 

About South Dakota Mines
The South Dakota School of Mines & Technology is a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) and NCAA Division II offering 11 men's and women's varsity intercollegiate athletic programs. The Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference is a premier NCAA Division II conference with 15 members, as well as four associate members, located in the states of California, Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Utah.