Box Score How It Happened
In a matchup of two of the top teams in the RMAC, the 25th-ranked Colorado School of Mines (15-4, 13-2) were unable to slow down a hot shooting Black Hills State (15-4, 12-3) squad as they fell by the final of 71-54.
The first half saw both teams shoot relatively the same, but the Yellow Jackets made seven three-pointers compared to only 1 for Mines to take a 34-25 lead into the break.
In a battle of two of the top defenses in the RMAC, the first quarter was wild and open as the two teams combined for 36 of the first half's 59 points. Both teams seemingly traded basket-for-basket in that opening period until BHSU closed the frame out with the final seven points scored.
The two teams' defenses finally showed up in the second quarter where baskets came a little tougher, but Black Hills did just enough to keep their lead.
Finally, in the third quarter, the Yellow Jackets couldn't seemingly miss as they made their first seven shots of the period, including two free throws, to take a commanding 51-31. BHSU then reached a 23-point advantage (66-42) early in the fourth quarter to essentially put the game out of reach.
Mines attempted to rally after that and got the lead down to down to only 12 (66-54) with about a minute to go, but it wouldn't be enough as Black Hills State closed out the game at the free throw line, 71-54.
Notables
- Mines lost the game in two key categories: bench points and three pointers. CSM was outscored 24-2 in points from bench personnel and 30-9 on three pointers.
- The Orediggers were also outshot 43.3%-to-34.4% on the night. It was only the third time all season Mines allowed an opponent to shoot over 40% from the field.
- The loss ruined a career night for redshirt-freshman Emily Bailey who poured in a new career-best 22 points on 10-15 shooting. Bailey just missed a double-double as she snagged nine rebounds.
- Junior Laura Tyree also hit double figure scoring for the second straight evening as she chipped in 19 points with six rebounds.
- The Orediggers had a commanding 20-12 advantage in offensive rebounds, but it only lead to 12 second chance points.
Up Next
Mines will now head out on the road next weekend as they head to nearby Regis on Friday, February 5 before heading out on the high plains to tangle with Chadron State a day later.
