DENVER, Colo. --- The South Dakota School of Mines men's basketball team bounced back in convincing fashion after a Friday-night loss and defeated the Johnson and Wales Wildcats, 82-66, Sunday afternoon in Denver, Colo.
The Hardrockers had a four-game win streak snapped Friday at the hands of Northern New Mexico College, but came back strong in Sunday's outing pouncing on the Wildcats early and establishing a 22-point halftime advantage, 48-26. JWU put up 40 points to SD Mines' 36 in the second half, as the 'Rockers maintained their comfortable lead. It marked the 14th win of the season for SD Mines.
The Hardrockers shot 52 percent from the field Sunday sinking 30-58 baskets while JWU was 23-47 for 49 percent.
The 'Rockers were led in scoring by freshman Konor Kulas who posted 25 points and added eight rebounds and recorded three steals. Freshman Phil Schanelic dded 14 points and junior Lucas Nolan tacked on 13 points and recorded five assists.
The Hardrockers will get another crack at Northern New Mexico and Johnson and Wales in a couple weeks when they rematch both teams at the King Center in Rapid City. SD Mines faces NNMC Feb. 1 and JWU Feb. 2.