GOLDEN, Colo. – The University of Colorado Colorado Springs men's basketball team gave everything No. 6 Colorado School of Mines they could handle on Sunday before falling to the Orediggers on Sunday, 79-77.

The visiting Mountain Lions, who were playing from behind most of the game, managed to erase an eight-point deficit over the final 10 minutes of the game to tie the game at 69 with a Brandon Malone three-pointer at the 3:57 mark.

UCCS then took the lead twice in the final minutes. The last time was when Malone hit another three with 1:48 remaining to make it a 75-72 ball game.

However, the nationally ranked Orediggers responded with their own three-pointer from Luke Schroepfer just 30 seconds later.

Mines hit their next four ensuing free-throws to take the lead for good down the stretch.

Jonathan Barnes led the way for UCCS, scoring 20 points on a 9 of 12 performance while hauling in seven rebounds. The center also went 2 of 2 at the free-throw line in addition to being credited with two assists.

Justin Smith added 14 points after shooting 50 percent frim the field as Malone finished with 10 points.

Schroepfer led the Orediggers with a game-high 21 points.

UCCS dropped to 4-8 overall and 1-5 in conference play with the loss as they are off until Dec. 30 when they visit Western State at 7:30 p.m. to close out 2017.