RAPID CITY, S.D. – A big second half for #4 Colorado Mesa was too much as the Mavericks defeated the Hardrockers 79-55 on Thursday night.
South Dakota Mines won the first quarter 14-13 over Colorado Mesa. The Mavericks outscored the Hardrockers in the first half of the quarter. With a four-point deficit at the 6:18 mark, the Rockers held the Mavericks scoreless to lead 14-13 after 10 minutes.
The Mavericks responded in the second quarter, outscoring the Rockers 19-16. Colorado Mesa took a four-point lead to start the quarter.
Morning Grace Spotted Bear and
Samantha Darnell hit back-to-back three-pointers to give the Rockers a 21-19 lead. With a 23-22 advantage, the Mavericks went on a 6-0 run to go up 28-23. They led 32-30 at halftime.
In the third, Colorado Mesa came out firing, outscored South Dakota Mines 27-12. An early 7-0 made the score 39-30 at the 8:41 mark. After
Alexis Backhaus made it 37-41, the Mavericks went on an 18-3 run to go up 59-40. Colorado Mesa led 59-42 at the end of the quarter. Colorado Mesa won 79-55 after outscoring the Rockers 20-13 in the fourth.
Savea Mansfield collected 11 points and five assists for the Rockers. Spotted Bear put up 11 points and six rebounds.
Lauren Herman recorded six points, four rebounds and three steals.
South Dakota Mines shot 29% from the field, 32% from deep and 78.6% from the free throw line. They tallied 21 bench points and 20 points in the paint.
The Rockers dropped to 9-18 overall and 7-12 in the RMAC following the loss.
What's Next
The Hardrockers will celebrate Senior Day on Saturday as they take on Western Colorado at 1 p.m. Senior Day celebrations will take place between the women's and men's games.
