RAPID CITY, S.D. --- South Dakota Mines hosted the Orediggers on Saturday afternoon, and it was an offensive showdown, with both teams nearing 100 points. Despite the great offensive performance by the Hardrockers, they couldn't pull it out at the end
How it Happened – Early in the first half, the Hardrockers got off to a good start, leading 15-8 early.
Alejandro Rama was key for the 'Rockers and his three gave him 15 for the half and increased the South Dakota Mines lead to 30-19. The Oreddiggers would fight back, however, cutting their deficit to 1, 36-36 with 6:54 to go in the half after an Adam Thistlewood dunk. Another three would expand the Oredigger lead to 42-38 before a Frugoli layup. Rama would continue to roll, hitting a one-handed floater to tie it at 44. Rama would keep up the impressive first half, hitting a three to give him 25 and the Hardrockers a 49-48 lead, only to be answered by Brendan Sullivan to give the Orediggers the lead back. At the half, the two teams were tied at 52.
Early in the second half, the Orediggers would continue to shoot it well, taking a 9-point lead 68-59, but the 'Rockers would continue to fight, cutting the Colorado Mines lead down to 69-66. With 7:35 to go,
Brevin Walter hit a pair of free throws, cutting the deficit to 1, 75-74. Ale Rama hit a three with 5:38 to go, giving the Hardrockers a 77-75 lead only for Colorado Mines to hit one on the other end, retaking the lead. The lead would continue to go back and forth, but Brendan Sullivan converted an and-1 for the Orediggers with 2:15 to go, giving them an 88-84 lead. With under a minute to go, the Hardrockers had to begin fouling, but baskets by
Kolton Frugoli and
Brevin Walter cut the deficit to 3, with 19.8 seconds left and the ball in Colorado Mines possession and they would hit both free throws. The Orediggers would continue to hit their free throw, and go on to win it, 98-92.
Notes –
Alejandro Rama led the team, scoring 34 points…Rama also led the team with 7 rebounds and 7 assists.
Up Next – The Hardrockers will be back on the road next weekend as they take on Regis and UCCS.
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.
