RAPID CITY, S.D. – The Adams State University women's basketball team experienced a setback in their impressive winning streak, narrowly falling to the South Dakota Mines Hardrockers with a final score of 67-62 on Saturday afternoon at the King Center.
 
Despite an initial lead with the first basket of the night, the Grizzlies struggled as the Hardrockers surged ahead with a 14-0 run, establishing a 12-point lead at 14-2. The deficit widened to 22-4 before the Grizzlies managed to break the streak. The first quarter concluded with the Grizzlies shooting only 18 percent from the field (3-of-16), trailing 24-9.
 
In the second quarter, the Grizzlies clawed back, outscoring the Hardrockers 9-3 over 5:10 and reducing the lead to 27-18. The Grizzlies continued to battle for momentum, entering halftime trailing by 8 at 30-22.
 
Adams State narrowed the lead to 45-38. An impressive 13-0 run in the final frame propelled the Grizzlies into a 46-45 lead with 7:07 remaining. However, the Hardrockers responded with a 5-0 run, reclaiming a 50-46 lead with 5:38 left.
 
Despite the Grizzlies' efforts to close the gap, the Hardrockers extended their lead to as much as seven points at 59-52 with 3:07 left. Clutch shots late saw the Grizzlies pull within one point at 63-62 with 17.7 seconds remaining.
 
In the waning seconds, a foul allowed Hardrockers' Piper Bauer, who scored a game-high 30 points, to secure two crucial points. A turnover with three seconds left sealed the deal, with two more free throws closing out the game at 67-62.
 
Harmanie Dominguez, despite a slow start, emerged as the leading scorer for the Grizzlies with 20 points, including a perfect 6-of-6 from the free-throw line. Kiiyani Anitielu contributed defensively with six steals, while RiRi Davis and Kayla Harris also scored in double figures with 12 points each.
 
Looking ahead, Adams State aims to bounce back on Friday, Jan. 12, when they travel to Denver, Colo., to face the Regis Rangers at 5:00 p.m.