GOLDEN, Colo. – An early deficit proved hard to overcome as the Colorado School of Mines fell to visiting South Dakota Mines by the final of 75-64 on Saturday, December 31 in Lockridge Arena.

The Orediggers (8-9, 4-4) had four players reach double digits points on the afternoon, but it wasn't enough as the Hardrockers (5-8, 3-5) evened the season series. Mines won the previous meeting in Rapid City, S.D., 64-61, in overtime. 

After a close opening period, the Hardrockers blew the game open in the second quarter as they outscored the Orediggers, 22-12. South Dakota Mines had two runs in the period of exactly seven points to take a 37-24 lead at halftime. 

The Hardrockers then kept a double-digit lead practically the rest of the game as Mines was never truly able to put together a sustained run. The closest the Orediggers got was to a seven-point deficit (40-33) midway through the third quarter, but SD Mines responded and re-took a double digit lead by the end of the quarter.

Notables
-    The loss spoiled the best performance of the season by Mikaela Moore who put up a team-high 14 points and eight rebounds.
-    Anna Kollmorgen played 39 of the 40 minutes and produced a stat line of 10 points, eight rebounds and five assists.
-    Laura Tyree (13) and Cassidy Budge (11) also reached double digit points.
-    Emily Bailey tied a career-high with six assists.

Up Next
Mines is back in action next Saturday, January 7 as they head to Salt Lake City for a road contest at Westminster.