LAKEWOOD – Colorado School of Mines women's basketball overcame a 13-point second half deficit and twice claimed a one-point lead, but could not complete the comeback as Colorado Christian survived for a 73-72 win Thursday at the CCU Event Center in Lakewood.

Ignited by back-to-back-to-back three-pointers from senior Sam Rusk, Mines (6-5, 1-4 RMAC) trimmed the 61-48 margin to two, 66-64, with 2:17 to play.

Junior Courtney Martin then brought the Orediggers within 68-67 on an old-fashioned three-point play at 1:36. Following a 1-of-2 trip to the line by CCU (3-8, 3-2 RMAC), Rusk nailed her fifth three of the half with 70 seconds left, giving the women their first lead since 9-6 at 70-69.

The teams exchanged free throws as Martin put Mines back in front, 72-71; however, Taylor Torres converted two at the stripe with 14 seconds remaining to send the Cougars into the holiday break winners of three straight.

The Cougars, led by Torres with 22 points, shot 25-of-51 (.490) and 17-of-20 (.850) on free throws. Kate Louthan added 20 points and Ali Meyer 12 and 11 rebounds.

Sophomore Laura Tyree had a game- and career-high 25 points behind 9-of-17 field goals and collegiate-best 5-of-8 three-pointers. She shared the game-high with six assists and three steals.

Martin finished with 17 points, her fourth consecutive game of 15 or more, and Rusk 15 on 5-of-8 triples.

Supported by a season-best 61.5 percent (16-of-26) shooting in the second half, the Orediggers closed the evening 27-of-57 (.474) and 11-of-21 (.524) outside.

Mines opens the New Year at 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 2 at Western State.