Portions of release contributed by Michaela Adams

ALAMOSA – No. 9/11 Colorado School of Mines men's basketball used a hot start and strong finish to post a 91-69 win over Adams State on Friday at Plachy Hall in Alamosa.

Mines (15-1, 11-1 RMAC) opened with 20 of the game's first 26 points, but Adams State answered with 22 of the next 29 to post a 28-27 lead. Back-to-back baskets by redshirt senior Trevor Ritchie pushed the men to a 31-30 advantage at the half.

ASU remained within reach in the early minutes of the second, before Mines steadily gained separation with 60 points on 71.0 percent (22-of-31) shooting, including 5-of-8 (.625) threes, and 11-of-15 (.733) free throws in the frame.

The Orediggers hit 57.1 percent (36-of-63) overall, 36.4 percent (8-of-22) from the perimeter and 64.7 percent (11-of-17) at the line.

Four players scored in double digits, led by Ritchie with a 19-point, 10-assist double-double. Classmate Brian Muller had 19 points in 33 minutes.

Sophomores Gokul Natesan and Caleb Waitsman posted 17 and 13, respectively, with four rebounds apiece. Junior Joe Dellenbach chipped in six points and eight rebounds.

ASU shot 48.1 percent (26-of-54) for the evening. Juwan Buchanan led with 18 points and three rebounds. Shakir Smith added 14.

The Orediggers face off against Fort Lewis in the weekend finale at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in Durango.