Lakewood, CO – Saturday afternoon saw the RMAC rematch for the Cougars against visiting South Dakota Mines, looking for a two win weekend after smashing Chadron State. An unruly comeback attempt would see the Cougars just short, losing to the Hardrockers 58-67.

The first quarter started out fast paced for both sides, the Cougars scoring 7 points in the span of the first two minutes. The Cougars would see a lead that would ebb and flow, the biggest lead only stretching to 6 points. CCU would move the ball well, six different Cougars scoring in the first quarter. South Dakota Mines would seemingly respond well to every Cougar basket to stay in the game, managing to tie the ball game at 18 a piece going into the second quarter.

The second quarter would be all South Dakota Mines, the Hardrockers opening the quarter with a 8-0 run, holding the Cougars to 4 points the entire quarter. Hayley Luther and Jordon Heckert would be the only ones to crack through the Hardrocker defense, as South Dakota would just grow their lead. An entourage of free-throws and three-pointers would leave the Cougars trailing 22-36 at halftime.

The Hardrockers would open up the third quarter on the scoresheet before Jordon Heckert would respond with a bucket from downtown. Elise Grosdidier and Ezra Simonich would each convert a pair of free throws as they fought to claw their way back into the game. The Hardrockers were unrelenting, eventually increasing their lead to 17, going into the fourth quarter leading the Cougars 38-55.

The fourth quarter would prove to be an electric one, started immediately by a quick layup from Hayley Luther. 4 quick points from the combined efforts of Elise Grosdidier and Jordon Heckert would give the Cougars a glimpse at momentum, forging ahead to try and make anything happen. After a bucket from beyond the arc for the Hardrockers, the Grosdidier twins would each respond with a layup before Heckert would go 4/4 on free throws the next two plays. A shot from downtown from Angelina Kohlwaies would bring the game back to a 3 point deficit, and incredible 14 point comeback for the Cougars. CCU, however, would fall just short, only managing to score one basket after Kohlwaies three, the Hardrockers closing out the game well and downing the Cougars by 9 points.

Jordon Heckert and Hayley Luther would be the only Cougars with double digit points, scoring 13 and 10 respectively. Maley Wilhelm would lead the team with 7 rebounds as well as 3 assists. The Cougars would have 23 points off the bench and 32 points in the paint, with a 33% shooting average from the field.

The Cougars will play again at home against CSU-Pueblo on Thursday, February 12th, looking to take revenge after a large loss in Pueblo earlier in the year. Tipoff is set for 6pm MST, the Cougars only having 6 remaining games left in the season.