RAPID CITY, S.D. – Hoping to continue their momentum from Friday's first RMAC win of the season, the Cougars weren't able to leave South Dakota with two victories.

South Dakota Mines was able to pull away in the later stages in posting a 73-60 win against Colorado Christian on Saturday  night.

HOW IT HAPPENED: During the early stage of the first half it was a closely played contest. Colorado Christian took their only lead of the game at 15-14 with 8:23 left until halftime. During the final eight-plus minutes the home team scored 20 of the next 31 points to take a 34-26 edge at the break.

The Cougars chipped away at their deficit and pulled as close as 44-42 after a Jeremiah Hanson lay-up with 13:09 left. The Hardrockers proceeded to push their advantage to 56-46 but a pesky Colorado Christian squad continued to stay within two or three possessions of the lead for the next few minutes.

South Dakota Mines methodically pushed their lead into double figures by the last minutes of the game in claiming the win.

COUGAR STANDOUTS: Justin Engesser was solid all night as he nailed six of his nine shots, including a 5-for-6 effort from behind the arc, en route to his team best 19 points. He also grabbed a Cougar high eight rebounds.

Both Jake Hornick and Hanson each notched 11-point efforts.

INSIDE THE BOXSCORE

- The Cougars connected on 36.7 percent of their field goal attempts (22-for-60); their lowest effort against a RMAC foe this season
- Half of Colorado Christian made baskets came from behind the arc as they went 11-for-27 from deep
- South Dakota Mines posted a 38-20 edge for points in the paint 

UP NEXT: The Cougars return home next weekend for a pair of RMAC games. The first of the two games is set for Friday at 7:00 p.m. against Dixie State.