Spearfish, S.D. – The Black Hills State University men's basketball team took on age-old rival South Dakota School of Mines at the Donald E. Young Center. The Yellow Jackets held on to a one point lead at the half, but were unable to capitalize down the stretch as they went on to fall to Mines 58-64.

The Yellow Jacket faithful was out of their seats from the first play of the game as freshman point guard Brady Bisgaard connected with sophomore forward Cameron Anderson for a thunderous alley-oop. Despite the emphatic start, Black Hills State lost momentum early in the half as Tech pulled away for an early lead. The Yellow Jacket youngsters responded with composure as Black Hills State battled their way back into the game behind sophomore guard Body Brisk's seven first half points. The Yellow Jackets were able to solidify a one basket lead as they went into the halftime break 30-28.

The Black Hills State men held off the Hardrocker offense through the early stages of the second frame as they clung to a single possession lead. It wasn't until the nine minute mark that Tech was able to gain a four point lead on the Yellow Jackets by way of a Friesen three pointer. The Yellow Jackets were not deterred, continuing to go basket for basket with Mines. It was a final scoring drought and several costly turnovers from Black Hills State that would prove to be the difference as Tech was able to defeat the Yellow Jackets on their home floor. The Yellow Jackets move to 9-14 on the season.

The Black Hills State men were led offensively by freshman Brady Bisgaard who scored a team high 12 points to go alongside six assists. Bisgaard also had two steals and three turnovers on the night. The only other Yellow Jacket to finish in double figures was junior guard Tommy Earl. Earl scored 10 points on 4-8 from the field and 2-2 from the free throw line. Senior Rob Johnson was the team's rebounding leader as he paired his nine point performance with nine rebounds.

The Yellow Jackets will play their final home game of the 2011-2012 regular season on Friday night as they host former DAC conference opponent Dakota State. The Yellow Jackets will look to pick up a crucial win at home on Senior Night leading into the final week of the regular season. Friday night's tip is set for 7:30 p.m. MT following the women's game.

For more information on Yellow Jacket Athletics visit www.BHSUAthletics.com