Rapid City, S.D. – In a rematch of the season opener, the Regis University men's basketball team (1-4, 1-4 RMAC) traveled to take on the South Dakota Mines Hardrockers (4-4, 4-4 RMAC) on Friday night. In their last matchup, the Rangers routed SD Mines 90-52 on Dec. 5 at the Regis Field House. Tonight provided a different outcome in favor of the home team. 
 

How it Happened: The two teams were trading blows throughout the first half until the Hardrockers went on a 14-2 run to extend their lead to 26-14 with ten minutes left in the half. Sophomore guard Kevin Ebiriekwe followed by hitting a monster jumper to break their run. The half ended by Senior guard Brian Dawson hitting a 3-pointer to make the score 35-42 in favor of SD Mines. The second half proved to be more dramatic, especially as the final minutes were ticking off the clock. RU went on a 16-3 run to tie the game at 58 points with six minutes left in the game. The Rangers kept fighting, despite the Hardrockers consistently taking the lead in the final five minutes; Regis tied the game three times before SD Mines finally extended their lead just out of the hands of RU in the final seconds. The final score was 70-74. 
 

Here's what head coach Brady Bergeson had to say about tonight's loss, "Our group is making some notable and important improvements. It didn't pay off tonight, but we are growing as a team nonetheless."

Game Notes: Dawson (12-26 FG, 5-11 3-PT, 3-3 FT) had himself a career night as the senior put up 32 points. His previous career-high was against the Dixie State Trailblazers in 2020. He also nabbed three steals and three rebounds. Freshman guard Kai Daniels (3-4 FG, 0-3 FT) had a team-high five rebounds and GS guard Troy Brady (4-8 FG, 1-5 FT) had a team-high five assists.
 

Up Next for the Rangers: Regis will have a week off until action resumes Jan. 22 when the Rangers will travel to Salt Lake City, Utah to take on the Westminster College Griffins (4-2, 4-2 RMAC). You can watch that game by clicking here.