RAPID CITY, S.D. – South Dakota Mines Men's Basketball lost to MSU Denver 69-77 on Saturday afternoon at the King Center.
MSU Denver outscored South Dakota Mines 39-26 in the first half. After both teams went back-and-forth for the first two minutes, the Roadrunners recorded nine straight points to go up 12-6. That lead turned into a 24-12 lead with 8:27 left.
At the 4:34 mark, MSU Denver increased their lead to 33-18. After
Darren Wallace made a three-pointer to make it a nine-point game, the Roadrunners put up four straight points, making it a 13-point game at halftime.
While the Hardrockers outscored the Roadrunners 43-38 in the second half, MSU Denver took down the Rockers 77-69. After the Roadrunners took a 14-point lead, the Hardrockers went on a 13-0 run to make the score 43-44 with 14:19 left. MSU Denver answered with a run of their own to take a 58-47 lead midway through the half.
The Rockers brought it down to a 57-61 game at the 5:03 mark. With 2:07 to go, Wallace hit two free throws to make it a three-point game. The Roadrunners scored 10 points down the stretch to win 77-69.
Jason Lee totaled 19 points and six assists to lead the Hardrockers.
Gray Thompson picked up 17 points and seven rebounds, including four offensive rebounds.
Ryan Sweeney recorded 13 points, four assists and four steals.
South Dakota Mines shot 41.7% from the field, 31% from three-point range and 76.9% from the free throw line. They had 30 points in the paint and 22 points off 19 turnovers.
The Hardrockers dropped to 9-15 overall and 6-10 in the RMAC after the loss.
What's Next
The Hardrockers go back on the road next weekend at New Mexico Highlands and Fort Lewis. They return home on Feb. 26 to play Colorado Mesa at 7:30 p.m. Senior Day is scheduled for Feb. 28 against Western Colorado at 3 p.m.
