Grand Junction, CO – For the second consecutive game, Colorado Mesa men's basketball knocked down 11 baskets from 3-point range to capture their 18^th victory of the season, 70-54 over South Dakota Mines.

The Mavericks (18-8, 12-5 RMAC) kept the Hardrockers (7-15, 5-11) to just 18-points in the first half, on their way to claiming the sweep for the week.

With just two ties, both of which came early on, the Mavericks took over on a jumpshot from Reece Johnson just three minutes in and never looked back. By the 12-minute mark the Mavs had built up to a double-digit lead going up by as many as 25.

Needing to make up for their lack of baskets in the first half, the visitors scored more points in the first six minutes of the second half then they did in all of the first half alone. They would draw shooting fouls early, but did not convert a single free throw attempt throughout the night. 

A 36-31 scoring edge would fall the way of the Hardrockers, but wasn't enough to overcome the early deficit. The Mavericks won the board battle 36-28, converting 10 second chance points on eight offensive rebounds.

Three starters finished in double-figures, Jared Small leading the way with a game-high 17-points behind 6-for-9 shooting. Mac Riniker scored 14, along with 8 rebounds and two steals.

Trevor Baskin finished with 12-points, three assists, six rebounds and a block.

The Mavs kept the Hardrockers leading scorer Brevin Walter to just 10-points, Kolten Mortenson and Alejandro Rama finishing with 14 each.

Colorado Mesa will take the next week to prepare for a rematch against Adams State, scheduled for Friday evening in Alamosa.