Hardrocker hoops team falls short in two close bouts at Grace tourney

The South Dakota School of Mines men’s hoops team played two close contests but couldn’t quite gain the advantage in either game, falling to Grace University, 67-64, and coming up short to Midland Lutheran College, 78-74.

Against the Midland Lutheran Warriors, the Hardrockers led at the half, 39-37, but were outscored 41-35 in the second period. SDM had some problems getting the ball to drop in the second half, shooing 11-28 for 39.3 percent. The first half faired a lot better, as they cashed in on a 17-28 performance from the field for 60 percent.

Five Hardrockers scored double figures. Junior Brandon Smith (Amenia, N.D.) led the way with 16 points, followed by sophomore Robbie Fedor’s (Monticello, Minn.) 14. Junior Donny DeGooyer (Great Falls, Mont.) put up 12 markers and led the team in rebounding with seven boards, freshman Michael Ross (Fort Worth, Texas) cashed in 11 points and freshman A.J. Trennepohl added 10.

No stats were readily available from the Grace University matchup.

The Hardrockers will host the U.S. Bank Thanksgiving Classic this weekend, welcoming Black Hills State, Dana College (Iowa) and Johnson and Wales University (Colo.). SDM takes on Johnson and Wales Friday at 7 p.m. and then squares off with Dana College Saturday at5 p.m.