Rapid City, S.D. – The Adams State men's basketball team fell on the road Saturday afternoon, dropping an 87-67 decision to South Dakota Mines at the King Center.

Adams State (10-6, 4-4 RMAC) got off to a strong start and briefly held an early lead, but South Dakota Mines (8-8, 5-3 RMAC) used an efficient shooting performance and strong rebounding to take control late in the first half and pull away after the break.

The Grizzlies trailed 47-36 at halftime after the Hardrockers shot 44.4 percent from the field and knocked down seven three-pointers in the opening 20 minutes. Adams State kept pace offensively in the first half but struggled to get consistent stops as the Hardrockers momentum built heading into the locker room.

Adams State opened the second half with energy and cut the deficit to seven points following a fast-break dunk by Jaylen Alexander, but South Dakota Mines responded with a decisive run fueled by perimeter shooting and second-chance opportunities. The Hardrockers connected on six three-pointers in the second half and extended their lead to as many as 23 points.

Dillan Baker and Emilek Jallow led the Grizzlies with 11 points apiece, while Wyatt Helming added 11 points and six rebounds. Jarmell Johnson chipped in 10 points, and Alexander finished with nine points and eight rebounds.

Adams State shot 38.5 percent from the field and was held to just 4-of-24 from beyond the arc. 

Adams State returns home Thursday to face CSU Pueblo.