GOLDEN, Colo. – Despite three players in double figures scoring, Colorado School of Mines was unable to overcome a cold shooting outing as they fell to visiting Westminster 72-61 on Friday, December 30 in Lockridge Arena.

While the Orediggers (8-8, 4-3) took 30 more shots (79-49) than the visiting Griffins (6-5, 4-3), they were only able to convert those attempts at 31.6% clip which proved hard to overcome.

The first half was a series of runs as Mines put together a 7-0 one to get out a 7-3 lead early on. WC responded though with a 14-2 run to jump out to a 21-11 lead early into the second quarter. 

The Orediggers answered right back with a quick 8-0 run as both Mikaela Moore and Cassidy Budge each chipped in three points. Mines then eventually tied the game up at 22 apiece on Elizabeth Tomon's layup with 4:44 until halftime. Unfortunately, that would be the last time the game would be tied though as the Griffins closed out the first half on an 11-1 run to take a 33-23 lead at break.

The second half saw Westminster only grow their advantage as they got out a 41-25 lead only three minutes into the third quarter. From there, the Griffins kept their advantage from anywhere between eight and 14 points most of the half. 

Trailing 60-48 with 4:06 to go, Mines attempted to pull out a last second comeback. Cassidy Budge got the comeback going with layup followed by a three-pointer on back-to-back possessions. Emily Bailey then closed the WC advantage to only four (60-56) on her own made long ball. 

Unfortunately, the Orediggers would go cold the final 2:15 of the game as the Griffins made 12 free throws down the stretch to ice the game out. 

Notables
-    Cassidy Budge led Mines with 16 points (three made threes), seven rebounds, three steals and two assists.
-    Elizabeth Tomon had 15 points and seven rebounds as she shot a team-best 53.8%.
-    Emily Bailey also reached double figures with 12 points and two blocks. 
-    While Mines took 30 more shots than Westminster, the Griffins had a massive advantage at the charity stripe as they drilled 24-of-28 attempts compared to only 7-for-12 for the Orediggers.
-    The Orediggers had only nine turnovers and forced 10 steals.

Up Next
Mines will look to get back to their winning ways tomorrow afternoon as they host S.D. Mines at 1 p.m.