Box Score GOLDEN, Colo. – In a battle of two of the nation's top 10 teams, No. 8 University of Colorado Colorado Springs pulled back to within eight points after trailing by 21 in the first half, but No. 5 Colorado School of Mines used strong three-point shooting in an 82-73 decision tonight in Lockridge Arena. The Mountain Lions (14-2 / 8-2 RMAC) were led by Derrick White's 23 points.

The Orediggers (14-0 / 10-0 RMAC) used a 19-4 run early in the game to open a 21-8 lead against the Mountain Lions. Colorado Mines put together another 16-4 run to take a 21-point advantage at 37-16 before UCCS assembled a 9-2 run to pull within 12 points at halftime, 39-27.

White made it an eight-point game with a layup after the under-10 minute media timeout at 55-47, but Colorado Mines gradually rebuilt a 17-point lead at 73-56 with 2:03 to play. Darius Pardner and Alex Welsh made back-to-back three-pointers, and Pardner followed with a jump shot on the next possession to cut it down to an 11-point game at 75-64 with 1:17 left. The Mountain Lions were forced to start fouling to stop the clock and pressing in attempt to gain steals, which allowed the Orediggers to go three-of-four at the line and earn layups in the final 77 seconds.

White earned his fourth double-double of the season with 14 rebounds and added five assists and a pair of steals. Darius Pardner led the bench with 18 points and Alex Welsh finished with 16. Welsh needs 23 points to reach 1,000 career points.

UCCS will remain in the Denver metro area for a 7 p.m., game tomorrow at Colorado Christian. The Cougars (9-7 / 6-4 RMAC) defeated Colorado State-Pueblo 84-67 earlier tonight.