RAPID CITY, S.D.  The Western Colorado Mountaineers closed out their three-game road stretch in dominant fashion, wrapping up the 2025-2026 regular season with an 81-63 victory over South Dakota Mines Hardrockers. Western wasted no time setting the tone, racing out to a 10-3 run in the opening minutes. The Mountaineers controlled the tempo throughout the first half and carried a commanding 40-28 advantage into the locker room. The momentum never shifted after the break. Western continued to build its lead, stretching the margin to as many as 21 points in the second half. From start to finish, the Mountaineers dictated play and closed out the regular season in convincing fashion and claimed their eighth Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference win of the year.  

JUST THE FACTS 

Final Score: Western Colorado def. South Dakota Mines, 81-63
Records: Western Colorado 10-18 overall (8-12 RMAC), South Dakota Mines 9-18 overall (6-13 RMAC)
Location: King Center, Rapid City, S.D. 

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The opening 20 minutes belonged to Western, as the Mountaineers seized control early and never surrendered the lead in the first half.
• Western built its advantage methodically, pushing the lead to 12 before the break while dominating on the glass. The Mountaineers consistently won the rebounding battle, securing second-chance opportunities and limiting South Dakota Mines to one shot per possession. Their physicality and pace set the tone heading into halftime.
• The momentum carried into the second half. Western continued to assert its dominance, stretching the lead to as many as 21 points with just over three minutes to play. A pair of timely three-pointers from Quincy Scott and Reese Strawn helped fuel the late surge.
• Western closed out the contest in commanding fashion, securing an 81-63 victory to cap the night.

HARDWOOD NOTES

• Western showcased a balanced attack, scoring 40 points in each half while holding South Dakota Mines to 28 in the first and 35 in the second, a testament to both efficient offense and disciplined defense.
• The Mountaineers controlled the boards, out rebounding Mines 38-28. Bench production also proved pivotal, with Western holding a 14-9 edge in bench scoring. Inside the paint, the Mountaineers imposed their will, outscoring Mines 36-26.
• Aidan McDowell led Western with 23 points while adding seven rebounds. Joanis Koulisianis recorded a strong all-around performance with 19 points, a team-high nine rebounds, and two assists.
• Quincy Scott added 13 points, six rebounds, and two steals, while Jordan Kuac rounded out the double-figure scorers with 12 points and two assists.
• Western shot an impressive 49 percent from the field and a scorching 53 percent from beyond the arc. The Mountaineers were nearly perfect at the free-throw line, converting 11-of-12 attempts.

With the win, Western Colorado closes out the 2025-2026 season on a high note, riding back-to-back victories and building momentum heading into next year.