RAPID CITY, S.D.- The Cougars closed their regular season on Saturday as they took on South Dakota Mines in Rapid City. After a tight first half, CCU pulled away in the second for a convincing 83-66 victory to send them into the RMAC Tournament with momentum. 

The first quarter was a low scoring affair, but Agnes Paul poured in consecutive baskets to keep her team close. Nicole Bowlin drained a three-pointer as the Cougars led 12-8, and the quarter came to a close with a 14-10 lead for the visitors. 

Both offenses got going in the second quarter, and Victoria Perez gave her team a six-point lead with a quick jumper. Dasiya Jones later converted a layup, and a Maggie Hutka jumper and three from Bowlin pushed the advantage to eight. The Hardrockers fought their way back, closing to within two at 34-32 at the break. 

Regan LoConte got things started off with a three in the third, and Hutka hit a jumper to send the score to 58-47. A strong close to the quarter sent the teams to the final period with CCU leading 60-51. 

Hutka continued to pour in points, hitting back-to-back jumpers to push the lead to 13. LoConte hit another three-pointer and Paul closed with a layup in the final moments as the Cougars ran away with a dominant 83-66 victory. 

Hutka led the offense with 23 points, while Paul chipped in 16 followed by Bowlin with 15. 

Colorado Christian is the #7 seed in the upcoming RMAC Tournament, and they will take on Regis in the quarterfinals on March 5 at 6 p.m. MST at the Regis Field House.