GOLDEN, Colo. - #25 Colorado School of Mines went wire-to-wire to beat Colorado Christian, 89-76, and sweep the season series from their crosstown rival.

The win sets up what could be a decisive game in the RMAC title race next Friday as the Orediggers (20-4, 15-3 RMAC) will travel to Fort Lewis, who are a game ahead of Mines in the standings.

Mines had big contributions from all over the floor led by Gokul Natesan's 19-point, five-assist game and Ben Clare's second straight double-double along with 27 bench points led by Kaan Korkmaz's 12.

Mines took control of the game early with a 16-2 run mid-first half to take a 24-12 lead. Their advantage would stay in double digits until the middle of the second half when back-to-back CCU threes cut the lead to 60-53, but Mines quickly responded with Korkmaz's layup and a Luke Schroepfer three to re-establish control.

CCU threatened to gain momentum with a 10-4 spurt late in the half but a Ben Clare fastbreak dunk shut the door on any comeback attempt and the Oredigger defense held CCU without a field goal for the final 2:49 of the game.

NOTABLES
- Clare ended with 13 points and 12 rebounds, his third consecutive 10+ rebound game and third double-double of the season. 
- Natesan moved into sixth place on the Mines career scoring list with 1,827, surpassing Kyle Pape (1,820 from 2005-09). Nex ton the list is Jim Swain's total of 1,884 set from 1874-78.
- Natesan had a superb defensive game with three steals. Zach Rusk added two blocks and a steal off the bench as well.
- Schroepfer scored 15 with 3-of-6 outside shooting. 
- Mines led 40-32 on rebounds. 
- Bench production was a huge factor in the game with Mines generating 27 points to only 1 for CCU.
- The win ensured Mines of its fourth consecutive 20-win season.

NEXT UP
Mines travels to #12 Fort Lewis for a huge game next Friday night. The game will be featured as the NCAA Division II Game of the Week, streaming nationally on ncaa.com and airing locally on CET.