RAPID CITY, S.D. – The University of Colorado Colorado Springs men's basketball team dropped a conference road game to South Dakota Mines, 80-63, Saturday evening.

The home standing Hardockers (3-3, 1-1 RMAC) used a 46-point first half to get past UCCS (3-5, 0-2 RMAC), who have dropped two straight to open the conference portion of the schedule.

The Mountain Lions were led by Elijah Ross, who poured in 21 points, going 7 of 14 from the field, including 2 of 3 from long range and 5 of 6 from the free-throw line.

Dalton Walker chipped in 13 points for UCCS, who shot 36.9 percent from the field.

South Dakota Mines' Jake Heath led all scorers with 26 points, connecting on 6 of 7 from beyond the arc and 10 of 12 overall.

UCCS returns home this Friday when they entertain Chadron State inside Gallogly Events Center at 7:30 p.m.