Silver City, N.M. – The Black Hills State men's basketball team lost a close game, 74-69, to the Western New Mexico Mustangs in Silver City, N.M. on Friday night.

The Yellow Jackets started strong in the first half, building an 18-12 lead in the first 11 minutes of play. Efficient shot-making and solid rebounding proved to be the reason for their early lead. The Jackets out-rebounded the Mustangs 23-12 and shot 45 percent from the field in the first period. The Yellow Jackets led by seven, 37-30, going into halftime.

Tanner Adler and Brady Bisgaard led the first half charge for Black Hills State, both putting in nine points in the first 20 minutes. Cameron Anderson chipped in eight points and seven rebounds, and Joey Mitchell scored seven in the first.

The second half saw the two teams go back and forward, with five lead changes highlighting the first 10 minutes of the second period.  Black Hills State trailed by only three with a minute left, but they would not be able to get a shot off. A steal by Western New Mexico with seven seconds left in the game sealed the deal for the Mustangs. The Jackets fell, 74-69.

Adler led the offensive attack for the Black Hills State, scoring 20 points during the game. Anderson added 13 points and 12 rebounds, and Mitchell added 12 during the contest.

The Jackets return to action on Saturday when they take on the New Mexico Highlands Cowboys in Las Vegas, N.M. at 8:00 PM.