LAKEWOOD – The No. 11 Colorado Mines men's basketball squad jumped out to a quick 7-0 lead that was never relinquished in opening Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play with a 74-59 victory over home standing Colorado Christian on Saturday evening at the CCU Event Center in Lakewood.

The Orediggers (6-0, 1-0 RMAC) used a big 20-to-8 rebounding advantage and 43.5 percent shooting (10-of-23), including 62.5 percent (5-of-8) from downtown to race out to a big 34-14 halftime lead.

The Cougars (1-4, 0-1 RMAC) were limited to just 28.6 percent (6-of-21) shooting during the first 20 minutes and 37.8 percent (17-of-45) during the game's entirety. Despite a season-high 21 turnovers, Mines doubled up CCU's rebound total (35-to-17) to cruise to the conference-opening victory.

As efficient as the Orediggers were during the first half, they posted a blistering 61.9 percent (13-of-21) effort from the field during the second half. In all, they finished the game with 52.3 percent shooting (23-of-44), including 58.3 percent (7-of-12) from long range. Of the 12 CSM players that saw action, 11 scored during the contest.

Brett Green led the team with 21 points on an efficient 6-of-9 shooting from the field, including 4-of-5 from 3-point land while pulling down six rebounds. Dale Minschwaner finished with 5-of-10 shooting for 14 points while adding a team-high nine rebounds and Luke Meisch added 10 points and six rebounds on a 4-of-7 effort from the floor.

The Orediggers return to action on Friday when they host UC-Colorado Springs following completion of the women's game which is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. UCCS (1-7, 0-1 RMAC) lost to Adams State by a 69-65 final on Saturday evening in Alamosa.