RAPID CITY, S.D. --- On Saturday night the Hardrockers hosted #9 Fort Lewis on senior day. Despite battling, and cutting it to 6 late, South Dakota Mines was unable to pull out a win.
How it Happened – In the first half, the Hardrockers battled, but couldn't keep up with Fort Lewis' high-powered offense led by Akuel Kot. At the break, the Skyhawks held a 43-34 lead.
Early in the second half, the Hardrockers would cut the lead to 6, but Fort Lewis would continue to hit their shots. An Akuel Kot three with just over 10 minutes to play expanded their lead to 61-47. Back-to-back three-pointers from Rama and Mortensen would cut the deficit to 71-60. Moments later, a
Kolten Mortensen free throw cut the deficit to 10, 71-61. As the time grew late, the Hardrockers would continue to battle.
Brevin Walter hit a three, and on the following possession converted an and-1, cutting it to 73-67 with 2:14 to play. Unfortunately, the Hardrockers were not able to pull within 6, eventually falling 80-69.
Notes – Alejandro Rama scored 23 points to lead the way…
Keagen Smith and
Brevin Walter added 13 and 10 points…On senior day,
Kolten Mortensen came close to a double-double with 7 points and 8 rebounds…Mortensen and Rama tied for the lead with 3 assists.
Up Next – The Hardrockers, still in the mix for a playoff spot, head to Chadron State and Colorado Christian on Friday and Saturday for 7:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. tip-offs.
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.
