GOLDEN, Colo. – Behind a smothering defense and a balanced offense, Colorado School of Mines pulled of an 81-66 upset of nationally fourth-ranked Florida Southern in the home opener on Friday, November 25 at Lockridge Arena.

Mines (3-5) held a massive rebounding advantage (45-23), and got double-digit scoring from Emily Bailey (17), Laura Tyree (16), Elizabeth Tomon (14) and Cassidy Budge (10) to help the team knock off the highest-ranked opponent in program history. The Orediggers also made a season-high 24-of-29 free throws (82.8%).

Trailing 7-6 midway through the first quarter, the Orediggers proceeded to go on a 16-2 run over the final 4:20 of the period to take over a decisive 22-9 advantage.

That game-defining run was kick started with three straight made jumpers by Paige Husa and Elizabeth Tomon. The Mocs temporarily stemmed the tide with a Gianna Vastola jumper, but Laura Tyree came right back with a two-point field goal of her own. Tyree then immediately turned over FSC's Jensen Blassage and scored a fast break basket to send the Orediggers off to the races.

From that point forward, it was all Mines as they practically led by double digits the rest of the way. Each time Florida Southern got back within in single digits, Mines would stem the tide by getting to the free throw line, hit a clutch three-pointer or go to the paint where they held a 26-12 advantage.

Up 68-58 with 7:31 left in the game, Mines got two long balls from Cassidy Budge and Lara Tyree drilled a pair of free throws to give the team its largest lead of the night at 76-60. Florida Southern wouldn't get back into single digits the rest of the way as Mines pulled off the 81-66 shocker.

Notables
-    Not only did Mines beat FSC on points in the paint (26-12), at the free throw line (24-16) and rebounding (45-23), but they also held decisive 17-1 advantage on second-chance points. 
-    The 17 points tonight by Emily Bailey were a season-high as she also chipped in three assists and three blocks. 
-    Laura Tyree posted a stat line of 16 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. While Elizabeth Tomon chipped in 14 points and seven boards.
-    Anna Kollmorgen matched Tomon with a game-high seven rebounds as she also scored eight points.
-    Five different Orediggers posted four made free throws on the night.
-    Mines also held FSC's leading scorer Jensen Blassage to only five points before she fouled out.

Up Next
Mines will look to keep riding high as they host first-year program Embry-Riddle (Ariz.) tomorrow at 1 p.m.