DENVER, Colo. – The Regis University men's basketball team (9-5, 4-4 RMAC) fended off the South Dakota School of Mines Hardrockers (6-8, 3-5), 75-61, in a Friday night battle between two teams who were tied in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) standings with 3-4 records in conference play to begin the night.
 
How It Happened: Another closely contested game for Regis saw many possessions shared between the Rangers and Hardrockers ending without any points. At the end of the first half, RU had only five turnovers, but they had been called for 10 personal fouls, sending the visitors to the line for 12 free throws. Although they shot under 39 percent from the field in the first half, Regis trialed by only one points at halftime, 32-33.
 
A lot changed in the second half for the home side as they connected on nearly 52 percent of their attempts. The deficit grew to five points 46-41 in the second half, but the Rangers fought back and tied the game at 51 points on a three by junior Brian Dawson. From that point on, RU never trailed. Instead, they put their foot down on the pedal and managed to take a 10-point lead 71-61 with 1:09 remaining in the game. At that point, a dunk from sophomore Toni Rocak and two made free throws from senior Christian Little sealed the deal on the win, snapping a two-game slump from Regis.  
 
Game Notes: Little had a game-high 22 points on a very efficient 6-for-11 shooting performance. He made 1-of-2 shots from beyond the arc and converted 9-of-14 shots from the charity stripe. Little also grabbed a team-high eight rebounds, adding five assists, three steals and a block. Dawson (4-11 FG, 3-6 3-PT) hit the shot that propelled the team, starting their run to the win. Junior Donald Gipson (4-11 FG, 2-5 3-PT) and Rocak (5-9 FG) each added 10 points in the win. It was a gritty battle, but the Rangers outworked SDSM&T in the paint, outscoring them 40-28 on the evening. RU also had 26 total points off of 26 turnovers, as they made it difficult for the visitors to get anything going.
 
Up Next for the Rangers: The men's basketball team will play again tomorrow at 5 p.m. when they welcome the Black Hills State University Yellow Jackets into the Regis Field House.