'Rockers get strong play from bench in loss to JWU

By Brad Blume

Sports Information Director

DENVER, Colo. ---- The South Dakota School of Mines men’s basketball team came up short this past weekend in Denver, Colo., falling to the Johnson and Wales Wildcats, 87-73, Saturday in a non-conference contest.

The loss drops the Hardrockers to 4-11 on the season as the team concluded the end of the non-conference portion of its schedule.

SD Mines trailed for a majority of the game, as Johnson and Wales led by six at the half, 47-41, and then got outscored in the second half, 40-32.

The Hardrockers did shoot 50 percent from the field, dishing in 25 of 50 from the field and was 17-22 from the free throw line for 77 percent. JWU had comparable numbers, shooting 49 percent from the field, cashing in 30-61 and shot 55 percent from the foul line with an 18-30 showing.

The Hardrockers got some strong play from their bench as two non-starters led the visitors in scoring. Freshmen A.J. Trennepohl (Lubbock, Texas) and Kaleb Rehmer, (Cheyenne, Wyo.) paced SDM with 16 points each. Fellow freshman Michael Ross (Ft. Worth, Texas) contributed with 13 points and junior Brandon Smith (Amenia, N.D.) added nine markers.

For Johnson and Wales, four players reached double figures. Eric Daniels led the way with 25 points, Sasha Pate added 14, Sergio Washington had 13 and Ryan Goodenberger put up 10.

The Hardrockers will next see action this weekend when they get back into the Dakota Athletic Conference schedule. First on the docket is Valley City State and Jamestown College. The Vikings come to town Friday night and the Jimmies Saturday afternoon.