RAPID CITY, SD --- The South Dakota Mines men's basketball team dropped a close game to  theMSU Denver Roadrunners, 70-64, on Thursday night at Goodell Gymnasium in Rapid City.

In the first half, the Hardrockers and the Roadrunners each had scoring runs 8-0 and 9-0. The 'Rockers led as much as nine points, five minutes into the game and held onto that lead the whole half. The 'Rockers scored 20 of their 36 points from within the paint. The Hardrockers went into the locker room up three, 36-33. Josiah Gardiner scored 10 points in the half to help pace the 'Rockers.

The Roadrunners fought their way back with stingy defense and timely shooting to pull ahead of the Hardrockers midway through the second half. The 'Rockers couldn't seem to get the offense back on track as the Roadrunners took the game 70-64.

Brevin Walter scored 16 points to lead the 'Rockers on the night. Gardiner finished the game with 10 points and 12 rebounds. The Roadrunners had four score in double digits for the night. Reggie Gibson and Maris Colton each had 14 points.

The Hardrockers are now 7-8 overall and in the RMAC. The Roadrunners improve to 7-6 overall and 7-5 in the conference.