by RAPID CITY, S.D. — South Dakota Mines would play host to Augustana on Saturday night, the final game of the East/West Challenge.
The Hardrockers started slow in the first half, before having a strong second half, outscoring Augustana but it wasn’t enough as the Vikings came out with the victory.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The game started well for the Hardrockers with a pair of three-pointers from Alejandro Rama and Cameron Cohn, but Augustana would get out to an early edge, up 15-8. With just over 12 minutes to go, Keagen Smith. At the second media timeout, we had a close contest, but Augustana led 20-16. Later, a Jaden Graves three gave the Vikings a 13-point advantage and they would go into the locker room with a 45-31 lead.
To kick start the second half, Kolton Frugoli scored five straight points, but Augie would continue to put pressure on the Hardrockers, going up 56-36. Rama and Frugoli would hit back-to-back threes with under 15 to go, cutting the deficit to 60-47. A 5-0 Hardrocker run with just over six minutes to play would bring the game within reach, 72-6. A Rama three moments later would bring the game to within single digits, 74-66. A 4-0 spurt from Augustana would expand it back to 12 with under 3 minutes to play. Another Rama three and a steal by Cameron Cohn would cut it to six. On the next possession, Keagen Smith took a charge, but the Hardrockers couldn’t take advantage, eventually falling 83-74.
