RAPID CITY, S.D. – South Dakota Mines Men's Basketball lost a high-scoring affair against Regis on Thursday night, 98-103.
The Rangers won the first half 44-42 over the Hardrockers. With an early 9-4 lead, the Rangers put up seven straight points to go up 11-9. Both teams traded three-pointers until the Hardrockers took a 25-20 lead midway through the half. They held a four-point edge with nine minutes left.
Regis recorded eight straight points to take a 37-33 lead. After the Rockers collected six straight points, Regis responded with five consecutive points. Regis held a 44-42 lead at halftime.
In a competitive second half, the Rangers outscored the Rockers 59-56 to win 103-98. Regis started out the second half strong, taking a 62-52 lead with 13:13 left.
Gray Thompson brought the deficit down to one point at the 8:52 mark.
However, Regis went on a run late in the half giving them an 85-73 lead. The Hardrockers attempted a late comeback and made it a five-point game with 47 seconds left. Regis made free throws late in the game to win 103-98.
Ryan Sweeney led the game with 30 points on 11-for-17 field goal shooting.
Jason Lee put up 22 points, eight assists and five rebounds for the Hardrockers. Thompson and
Fred Libby both had 11 points, while
Luke Baltz recorded 10 points.
As a team, the Hardrockers shot 50% from the field, 45.7% from three-point range and 80% from the free throw line. They had 36 points in the paint, 23 bench points and 19 second chance points.
With the loss, the Rockers moved to 9-14 overall and 6-9 in the RMAC.
What's Next
South Dakota Mines will play MSU Denver on Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. at the King Center. After their road trip next week at New Mexico Highlands and Fort Lewis, the Hardrockers return home on Feb. 26 against Colorado Mesa.
