CHADRON, Neb.--- The South Dakota Mines men's basketball team led over Chadron State for over 31 minutes, but in crunch time it wasn't enough as Bryce Latimer and the Eagles emerged with an 85-76 victory.
How it Happened – To begin the game, the Hardrockers were firing on all cylinders as they have been so often as of late. An
Alejandro Rama three-pointer gave South Dakota Mines a double-digit lead at 20-8. Later, a
Kolten Mortensen basket gave the Hardrockers a 27-14 advantage. Chadron State would work its way back into the game, cutting the lead to 40-39 with 1:43 to play. On the other end,
Keagen Smith would go up and under for a nifty layup, and the Hardrockers would get a defensive stop on the next possession. Offensively, the 'Rockers would keep it going, this time it was Mortensen on the layup, and it would give the Hardrockers a 44-39 advantage that they would take into the locker room.
Alejandro Rama had another big first half, scoring 20 points.
Early in the second half, a three by Smith would put the Hardrockers up 7, 53-46. Chadron State would come right back with two straight threes, cutting the deficit to 1. Still up just 1,
Brevin Walter would get back-to-back baskets, giving South Dakota Mines a 61-56 advantage with 8:22 to play. Bryce Latimer was unstoppable for Chadron State, keeping them within striking distance hitting a jumper to tie it up and give him 27 points for the game and then answering a Walter layup with a three to give the Eagles a one-point advantage, 66-65 with 5:57 to play. The run would continue for Chadron State, taking a 71-65 lead after another Latimer basket gave him 33 for the game. Rama would hit a floater in the lane to get the Hardrockers back on track. Trailing by six,
Kolten Mortensen would hit a big three with 1:25 to play, bringing the deficit back to one possession, 75-72. Bryce Latimer would continue his big night, answering with a tough layup, giving him 39 and the Eagles a 77-72 lead with 58.2 seconds to play. South Dakota Mines would not be able to cut down on the deficit, falling 85-76.
Notes –
Brevin Walter and
Alejandro Rama led the way, each scoring 24 points…
Keagen Smith and
Kolten Mortensen were also in double figures, scoring 15 and 11 points…Walter, Rama, and
Brannagh Walsh each had four rebounds to lead the team.
Up Next – South Dakota Mines will be back on the court for the final game of the year against Colorado Christian University in Lakewood, Colo. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.
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.
