GOLDEN, Colo. – University of Colorado Colorado Springs sophomore guard Elijah Ross scored 20 points, but No. 18 Colorado School of Mines used a strong shooting performance to claim the 79-63 decision against the Mountain Lions (11-15, 10-11 RMAC) tonight in Lockridge Arena. Padiet Wang added 12 points for the UCCS offense.

The Orediggers (23-4, 18-3 RMAC) built an 18-10 lead after a 10-2 run with 14:38 to play in the first half, but the Mountain Lions took seven minutes later at 25-24 after a 9-1 rally. Colorado Mines put together a 17-6 stretch for a 41-31 lead but Wang closed out the half with a dunk to cut the Oredigger lead to 41-33 at halftime.

Wang opened the second half with a layup to cut the margin to 41-35 but Colorado Mines opened a 17-point lead at 56-39 with 14:20 remaining. UCCS brought the Orediggers within 10 points at 63-53 with an 11-3 run, but couldn't pull closer as Colorado Mines secured the 16-point margin of victory.

Ross hit the 20-point mark for the second time this season with a seven-of-14 performance from the field, four-of-seven performance from the three-point line, and two free throws. He led the Mountain Lions with three assists and matched Wang with a team-high two steals. Wang scored double-digit points for the fourth time this season along with four rebounds. TreShawn Wilford and Blend Avdili both led a balanced rebounding effort with five boards each.

The loss puts UCCS in position for the No. 7 seed in the RMAC Tournament with one game left in the regular season. The Mountain Lions finish tomorrow in a 7 p.m., game against Colorado Christian in Lakewood, Colo. The Cougars (14-13, 11-10 RMAC) won 88-77 against MSU Denver tonight.