SPEARFISH, S.D. – A tough night shooting proved to be hard to overcome as the Colorado School of Mines fell at Black Hills State 86-68 on Friday, December 9 at the Young Center.

Mines (6-6, 2-1) was unable to overcome a hot shooting performance from BHSU (1-6, 1-2) who shot 50% from the field, 43.5% from deep and 85.7% from the charity stripe. The Yellow Jackets had entered the game averaging 50 points per game and 32.8% from the field.

For a team that had struggled mightily on the offensive end through the first six games as BHSU had, Mines couldn't tell as the Yellow Jackets shot 55.2% from the field and made five, three-pointers in lieu to a 47-26 lead at the half. 

Conversely, the Orediggers really struggled to put the ball in the basket as they shot 21.9%. If it wasn't for the combined 17 points from Elizabeth Tomon and Emily Bailey, Mines' deficit could have been much larger.

The third quarter was better for Mines as they put up 19 points, but Black Hills State was just a bit better as they put up 21 points to stretch the lead to 68-45. 

The Orediggers offense would then come to life in the fourth quarter as they buried five three-pointers in the period, but it was too little, too late as BHSU's lead was too large to overcome as they took the contest, 86-68. At one point, Mines had outscored Black Hills State 21-5 in the quarter before the Yellow Jackets iced the game out at the free throw line.

Notables
-    After only making one three-pointer in the first half, Mines buried six triples in the second half; Including five in the fourth quarter.
-    Emily Bailey led the team with 17 points on 7-14 shooting. She hit three, three-pointers as well.
-    Elizabeth Tomon was right behind her with a 16-point night on 6-10 shooting. 
-    Cassidy Budge gave the Orediggers 11 points off the bench.
-    Anna Kollmorgen produced nine points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals before fouling out.
-    In a rare occurrence, Mines was out-rebounded by BHSU, 46-33.

Up Next
Mines will have to rebound tomorrow afternoon as they head over to Rapid City to tangle with S.D. Mines & Tech. at 3:30 p.m.