Rapid City, S.D. - The Regis University men's basketball team (9-5, 6-3 RMAC) stormed past South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (6-10, 3-5 RMAC) 79-66 behind a giant first half in which they created a 13-point spread with 41.9 percent shooting from the field.

How It Happened: The 'Rockers held a 4-3 advantage early in the contest but a made three-pointer from senior Ryan Beisty ignited a 6-0 run that secured the lead for
Regis throughout the half. After the 6-0 run was put to a halt, the Rangers answered with another 7-0 run, giving them a 16-6 advantage.

South Dakota Schools of Mines climbed their way back into the contest as they held RU to just six points over a span of 6:38. In that time period, the 'Rockers scored 15 points to pull within one, 22-21.

Junior Christian Little earned himself a trip to the charity stripe where he knocked down both free-throws to regain the momentum for Regis. Three straight buckets by sophomore Tomas Auruskevicius and senior Avonte Nelms and Jarrett Brodbeck stretched the Rangers' edge to 31-21. RU shot 41.9 percent from the field in the first half and went on to close-out the first period with a 10-2 run, giving them a comfortable 41-27 lead.

Junior Roberto Vercellino kept the Regis run alive as he opened the second half with a layup assisted by Little. Brodbeck snagged a defensive board and took it himself for a pull-up three to make it five-straight Ranger points to open the half.

Twelve of the first fifteen RU points in the second half came from three-point plays. Brodbeck, Auruskevicius and Nelms accounted for one three apiece while Brodbeck also drew a three-point foul and knocked-down all three free throws. The long-range shots stretched their lead to 55-34 with 13:41 remaining in the game.

Regis never let the 'Rockers within 16 as the teams traded the buckets over the next seven minutes. The Rangers held a comfortable 71-52 lead with 5:44 left in the game.

RU was outscored 14-8 in the final five minutes but were able to hangout to win 79-66.

Game Notes: Brodbeck was just 2-for-11 from three-point range but led all scorers with 21. Little shot just 4-for-14 but made eight free-throws on his way to 17 points.
Beisty added 11 points and 11 rebounds for his third double-double of the season. As a team, Regis shot 45.2 percent from the field.

Eight different Regis players contributed a steal as they forced the 'Rockers to turn the ball over 10 times. The Rangers scored 12 points off turnovers and the bench added 19.

Up Next for the Rangers: The Regis University men's basketball team will square-off with Black Hills State University tomorrow, January 12 at 6 p.m. in Spearfish, S.D.