RAPID CITY, S.D. – It was a battle for nearly 35 minutes, but Western State Colorado University could not overcome a late surge from South Dakota School of Mines & Technology. The Mountaineers fell 48-57 to the Hardrockers despite a strong post presence and a balanced scoring effort.  
 
Jadyn Kanzler had a big night for Western (8-18, 5-15 RMAC), pacing the Mountaineers from the bench with 12 points, 3 rebounds, and one block. On the night, five other Mountaineers scored as Western dominated in the lane, scoring 34 of their 48 points.
 
After leading in each of the first three quarters of play, Western took their last lead of the game with 6:40 remaining in the third on a Kanzler lay-up fed by Chandler Sturms. Up 28-27, Western would keep it tight until just over four minutes remaining in the third when the 'Rockers went up for good.
 
South Dakota Mines (16-10, 11-9 RMAC) burst to life in the second-half, shooting 53% from the floor. The tandem of Anna Haugen and Payton Humpal posed too much for the Mountaineers as each poured on 18 points.
 
At the break, Western led 24-22 after holding South Dakota Mines scoreless for the first five minutes of the second quarter. Keelie Lawler managed the attack for Western in the first half with six points, four rebounds, and an assist in a mere nine minutes of action.
 
In the fourth, the Mountaineers twice got within four points, but could not overcome the deficit as Anna Haugen scored 12 points in the quarter to hold off Western.
 
Western returns to action Tuesday on the road at New Mexico Highlands University.