COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Colorado School of Mines was unable to slow down a hot-shooting UCCS squad as they fell 73-65 in the Gallogly Events Center.

Despite four Mines (8-7, 4-2) players in double digit scoring, the Mountain Lions (8-4, 5-1) got 20 points each from Brittany Hernandez and Tori Fisher as they shot exactly 50% from the field.

The first quarter was wide open and free flowing as UCCS took an early 16-14 lead by the end of the period. Mines' Laura Tyree and UCCS' Brittany Hernandez each poured in seven points to pace their respective squads.

After a slow start to the second quarter by both teams, the Mountain Lions started to gather some separation with a 9-2 run midway through the quarter to take over a 29-20 lead. 

The Oredigger defense then locked in to shut down Colorado-Colorado Springs the rest of the way en route to only a 29-25 deficit at halftime. Anna Kollmorgen and Cassidy Budge had the baskets down the stretch that closed the UCCS advantage to only four.

The third quarter saw the Orediggers chasing the Mountain Lions from the start. Each time Mines seemingly had some momentum and cut the lead down to four or less, UCCS responded with an immediate basket to push the lead back out to three possession game. 

Leading the Orediggers in the quarter was Elizabeth Tomon who had 11 of the team's 19 points to keep the game within striking distance.

Trailing 49-44 entering the fourth quarter, the story of third quarter continued as once again each Mines run was stymied by an immediate Mountain Lions basket. 

After trailing by seven only two minutes prior, the Orediggers cut the UCCS lead down to 67-65 after back-to-back made free throws by Laura Tyree. Then, just as they had all game, UCCS cut down the run with back door layup from Kelly O'Flannigan. In fact, Mines didn't score the rest of the game as the Mountain Lions pulled away at the charity stripe, 73-65.

Notables
-    Elizabeth Tomon led four Mines players in double figures with 17 points on 8-13 shooting.
-    Laura Tyree was right behind with 13 points (4-9), and four rebounds and five assists.
-    Emily Bailey and Cassidy Budge each had 11 points in the contest.
-    In a rarity, Mines was beaten in the paint as UCCS had a 42-26 advantage.
-    The Orediggers had a 15-7 advantage in second chance points.

Up Next
Mines will now enjoy the holiday break before returning to Lockridge Arena against Westminster and S.D. Mines & Tech on December 30-31.