GOLDEN – Colorado School of Mines women's basketball used a lengthy 21-4 run to reverse a five-point second half deficit and earn its first conference win of the season, 66-55, against Chadron State on Friday at Lockridge Arena.
CSC (1-6, 1-2 RMAC) opened the second 20:00 with 11 of the initial 13 points in building a 45-40 lead with 14:19 to play.
Powered by 10 points inside from junior Courtney Martin, the Orediggers (6-3, 1-2 RMAC) countered with 21 of the next 25 points over the ensuing 10:18 for a 61-49 advantage.
The Eagles twice drew within nine, but a triple from freshman Kristin Rydell and two free throws by redshirt freshman Brianna Robinson in the closing 1:19 capped the 11-point victory.
Martin led all players with a career-best 22 points and season-high tying nine rebounds, hitting 8-of-14 and 6-of-8 at the line.
Senior Sam Rusk scored 16 on 5-of-9 field goals, including a game-high 4-of-8 threes, while sophomore Laura Tyree and freshman Paige Husa each had eight.
Mines shot 43.6 percent (24-of-55) overall and 5-of-15 (.333) from distance for the evening and limited the Eagles to just a 33.9 percent (20-of-59) clip and 6-of-18 (.333) three-pointers.
Ranked No. 3 in Division II in defensive rebounds per game entering tonight, the women posted a season-best plus-19 rebounding margin with 38 of their 47 on the defensive end.
The Orediggers remain in Golden at 5 p.m. Saturday against Black Hills State.