COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The University of Colorado Colorado Springs men's basketball team takes down South Dakota School of Mines (SDSM), 74-62, in a physical wire-to-wire battle. In a game that could prove to be crucial as the end of the season looms, the Mountain Lions were able to grind out the victory. UCCS is now 16-9 overall this season and 12-8 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC).

UCCS finished the game shooting 45.6 percent from the field (26-57 FG) and added seven three pointers and 15-of-20 free throws. The Mountain Lions also held SDSM to a miniscule 3-of-9 from beyond the arc and 43.6 percent from the field overall. UCCS collected 33 rebounds and dished out 19 assists in the game as well.

Padiet Wang and Parker Gaddis combined for 51 points in the game, with Wang going for 26 and six assists and Gaddis adding 25 with seven boards and a game high four threes. Wang and Gaddis also each had three steals in the game. Alijah Comithier provided a spark off the bench for the Mountain Lions with 14 points and seven rebounds.

The first half started off slow as both teams showed off their defensive prowess. It took over eight minutes of play for either team to reach double digits in scoring. The Mountain Lions led for the majority of the half, including the last 10 minutes of play. UCCS built as much as a 13-point lead in the half and went into the locker room leading 36-30.

The second half was similar to the first as it was a grind-it-out type of game for both teams. Every basket and rebound were hard fought. UCCS started the half with the lead and never relinquished it as they built a 14-point lead with about eight minutes left in the game. The Hardrockers tried to claw their way back into it but UCCS stayed resilient and came away with the 12-point win.

The Mountain Lions are back in action tomorrow night as they host Black Hills State University inside the Gallogly Events Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.