DENVER, Colo. --- The Hardrocker offense started fast and played well throughout the first half at Regis on Saturday before slowing and falling late.

In the first quarter, both offenses were running smoothly, and trading buckets. With around 2 minutes to go in the first back-to-back baskets by Piper Bauer gave the Hardrockers an 18-15 lead. Going into the 2nd, the Hardrocker led 18-17.

To start off the 2nd quarter, the Hardrocker offense continued to operate efficiently, first getting a three-pointer from Madelyn Heiser, then a Bailey Johnson layup. Johnson would continue to fire away, later hitting a three to give the Hardrockers a game-high, 9-point lead at 30-21. Just before the media timeout, Bauer would hit another three, giving the Hardrockers a 33-25 lead. Bauer would continue to roll, getting a bucket for her 12th and 13 points out of the timeout, expanding the lead to 10 points. Back-to-back baskets for Regis from Morgan Smith and Erin Stroberg would give them some momentum, cutting the Hardrocker lead to 37-33. To close the half, the Hardrockers would get buckets from Sydnee Durtsche and Naomi Hidalgo would score to expand the lead to 41-33 to end the half.

Early in the third, Ryan Weiss would join the three-point party, getting the feed from Anna Combalia, her 5th assist of the game. After that, Regis would cut it to two after Sydney Speights did some work offensively and on the glass. Johnson would stay hot for the Hardrockers, however, hitting another triple to give her 13 points and push the lead back to 5 points. Moments later Johnson would connect again, however, it would be answered by Regis this time to keep the Hardrocker lead at 3 points, 52-49. Later after back-to-back Hardrocker turnovers, Regis would cut it to two before a baby hook shot in the post was hit by Jansi Merz, making the score, 55-51, Hardrockers. Just before the end of the quarter, Regis hit two free throws, and we went into the 4th with the Hardrockers leading 55-53.

Starting off the 4th, the Hardrockers regained some momentum, getting baskets from Hidalgo and Bauer to expand the lead to 6. Later, with just over 4 minutes to go Regis would retake the lead after scoring 7-in-a-row, taking the 64-61 lead, forcing a South Dakota Mines timeout. The run would continue after the timeout with Regis expanding their lead until Hidalgo hit a huge three, making the score 66-64, Regis. Another timeout would be called with 1:21 to go, with the Hardrockers trailing 69-66. South Dakota Mines would not be able to get closer than that as they fell 75-69.

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.