GUNNISON, Colo. – South Dakota School of Mines and Technology got out to a 15-5 lead to begin Saturday's game against Western State Colorado University. Despite the Mountaineers' relentless efforts to come back into the game, the Hardrockers kept Western at bay, taking a 58-45 win in Paul Wright Gym.
 
Despite the slow start, Western (4-9, 2-9 RMAC) kept firing and pulled within 10 points, 48-38 to begin the fourth quarter. Helping spark that second-half comeback were guards Taylor Long (So., Moreno Valley, California) and Kaylynn Bush (Fr., Beaverton, Oregon). Both Western players scored seven of their team high nine points in the second half.
 
Western pulled closer to SDSMT (8-7, 5-6 RMAC) with a big third quarter. The Mountaineers scored 22 points and held the Hardrockers to 18.
 
The Mountaineers had nine different players reach the scoring column. Five of those players scored five or more points.
 
SDSMT's Taylor Molstad led all players with 16 points.
 
Western will continue the season next weekend on the road. The Mountaineers will travel to Colorado Christian University on Friday night, before heading into Golden, Colorado for a Saturday night game against Colorado School of Mines.