GOLDEN, Colo. – Senior Cassidy Budge had herself a night Friday, scoring 21 points off the bench as the Colorado School of Mines Women's Basketball team fought its way to a 71-59 victory over New Mexico Highlands inside Lockridge Arena.
 
All 21 of Budge's points came in the second half and by way of the three-point shot. In addition to leading all players in scoring, Budge finished the game with six rebounds and an assist while going 7-of-17 from the floor. Courtney Stanton hopped on the highlight reel with the first double-double of her career, scoring 16 points while grabbing 10 rebounds. She also dished out four assists and recorded two blocks. Denali Pinto joined the double-double fun with the second of her career thanks to 15 points and 11 rebounds. Pinto added three assists and one steal to her resume as well. Capping it off was Nicole Archambeau leading all players with 12 rebounds. Archambeau teamed up with Anna Kollmorgen to combine for 10 assists on the night.
 
The victory extends Mines' winning streak to five games – matching its longest run of the season. The Orediggers (15-8, 12-6 RMAC) outrebounded New Mexico Highlands handily, 50-23. The Cowgirls (4-21, 2-16 RMAC) are now on an eight-game skid despite dropping 11 three-point baskets on the Orediggers. Mines remains in a tie for third place in the RMAC standings and thanks to help around the league is mathematically alive for a share of the conference title.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
It was a wire-to-wire victory for the Orediggers, but provided its fair share of worry for the home team. For example, Mines jumped out to a 16-point lead in the first quarter and led by as many as 19 points well into the second frame. However, New Mexico Highlands used the last 2:52 of the first half to claw its way back within six points, 36-30, at the break.
 
The second half of the night provided the story of the game for all parties involved. After starting the game 0-for-7 from the field and 0-for-4 from three-point range, Budge went on a tear. She drained her first three of the game with 2:32 remaining in the third period and did not miss her next six attempts from behind the arc. Budge's first three of the run put Mines up 48-35. Her last three of the streak came halfway through the final period and also extended the Orediggers' lead to 13. The home team closed out its Parents' Night victory with free-throws from Pinto and Raven Herrera.
 
Mines' final line of the night included 40-percent shooting from the field while going 11-for-25 from behind the arc. The Orediggers went 6-for-8 at the free-throw line and combined for 23 assists with three blocks and three steals. Additionally, Mines racked up 26 points in the paint 28 off the bench and 16 off second chances.
 
NOTABLES
- Mines is 31-33 in the all-time series against New Mexico Highlands.
- The Orediggers have defeated the Cowgirls in nine straight meetings.
- Budge has 10 three-point baskets in her last two games, going a combined 10-16 from long range.
- Stanton and Pinto mark the first game this season with two Oredigger double-doubles.
- Pinto's 11 rebounds against NMHU are a career high for the true freshman.
- Mines' 23 assists Friday night are a season high for the Orediggers.
- Kollmorgen moved to #4 on Mines' all-time assists list thanks to her five dimes against the Cowgirls.
- Pinto surpassed 100 rebounds for the season and for her career Friday evening.
- Stanton's four assists against NMHU are a career high for the sophomore.
- The Orediggers have defeated 12 opponents by double digits this season.
- Head coach Brittany Simpson is 110-85 in seven years at the helm.
 
WHAT'S NEXT
Mines hosts CSU-Pueblo and Alumni Night Saturday at 5 p.m. inside Lockridge Arena. Live stats and video of the game will be available at www.minesathletics.com.
 
Keep up with Colorado School of Mines Athletics all season long on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the handle @MinesAthletics.