RAPID CITY, SD. – The Colorado Mesa Maverick women's basketball team defeated South Dakota School of Mines, 61-50 Friday night in a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference matchup to remain undefeated in conference play at 6-0 and extend their win streak to eight games.
The Mavericks improved to 10-2 overall.
Kelsey Siemons led the Mavericks for the fifth time this season after going 4-of-4 from beyond the arc and 6-of-7 from the field which was good for a game-high 16 points.
Daniella Turner was the Mavs next best scorer with 15 points (7-of-18 FG). The Mavericks outrebounded the Hardrockers 44-34 in tonight's contest with the help of Sydni Brandon who grabbed down a game-high 13 rebounds. This was two shy of tying her career high.
The Mavericks shot 36.2 percent (21-of-58) from the field, 26.7 percent (8-of-30) from the three-point line, and 78.6 percent (11-of-14) from the line.
The Mavs limited the Hardrockers to just 15 points in the second half and 33.3 percent (19-of-57) shooting overall. SDSM was 25.9 percent (7-of-27) from the three-point line and 62.5 percent (5-of-8) from the free-throw line.
In a game of 13 lead changes there were six in the first quarter and four tied scores to reach a 14-14 score at the end of the opening quarter. In that quarter six different Mavericks scored and the team knocked down two three-pointers, one by Brandon and one by Siemons.
The Hardrockers extended their lead to six points in the second quarter as they led 28-22 with 4:41 remaining in the first half before a three ball from Siemons started a 15-7 run in favor of the Mavs. From that run the Mavs gained a two point lead entering the locker room, 37-35.
The Mavericks' lock down defense showed in the second half limiting the Hardrocker to under double digit scoring in both quarters and a combined 15 points in the second half. The Mavericks extended their lead to 11 points after the third quarter, 52-41.
The Mavs opened up the fourth quarter with a layup from Turner to reach their largest lead of the game (13 points). The Hardrockers scored five consecutive points, but were answered by free throws from Sierra McNicol and Brandon to extend the lead to double digits with 2:15 remaining in regulation. A Hardrockers' three got the team within single digits with under two minutes to play, but the Mavericks went four for four from the charity strip thanks to Brandon and Kylyn Rigsby to keep the lead above single digits.
Up Next
The Mavericks will wrap up their South Dakota road trip tomorrow against Black Hills State University in Spearfish, SD at 4 pm inside the Donald E. Young Center. BHSU defeated Western 49-47 Friday night to improve to a 4-2 conference record and a 7-4 overall record.
