(Spearfish, S.D.) – The Black Hills State University men's basketball team will be eager to get back out on the court for tomorrow night's game after a close loss to Regis University, 69-66.

The Yellow Jackets came out sharp and jumped out to an 11-5 lead only five minutes into the game thanks to an opening scoring sequence that involved great offensive execution and defensive pressure.

The first half was full of both teams trading shots as the scoring runs were kept to a minimum. However, the first half ended in a roar from the raucous Yellow Jacket fans as sophomore guard, Brady Bisgaard (5'11 170, Belle Fourche, SD) stole an errant Regis pass off the inbound with only ten seconds remaining and dribbled all the way to the glass for a layup as the buzzer signaled halftime with BHSU leading 37-36.

The second half was similar to the first, no team began to pull away – they continued to trade shot for shot.  With 2:47 left in the game, junior forward from Gillette, Wyo., Cam Anderson (6'6 215), took a pass on the baseline and drove hard to the bucket to throw down a two-handed dunk to get the crowd going once again with just one minute remaining in regulation.

Down by one, a Regis miss allowed BHSU to fight for the loose ball that led to a referee's call of jump ball – the arrow pointed to the Yellow Jackets.  BHSU took the ball down court and called a timeout with only seven seconds left. 

Sophomore guard, Joey Mitchell (6'1 180, Tulare, SD) took the inbound pass and drove from the perimeter into the lane and he and his defender fell to the ground and a blocking call was called on Regis as Mitchell was awarded two-free throws as they were in the double-bonus.  Mitchell hit one-of-two and the game was tied at 66-66.  Regis inbounded the ball and dribbled to half-court and threw up desperation shot that fell well short with 00.2 seconds left.  Overtime seemed likey, although as the shot went up, a foul was called against BHSU at the half-court line on a Hail-Mary like heave, which ultimately led to Regis shooting and making three free throws to end the game.

The game's leading scorer was BHSU's Tanner Adler (Jr., 6'5 200, Deadwood, SD) with 19 points and five rebounds - keeping him ranked atop of the RMAC conference in scoring.  Mitchell was next with 17 points on 6-of-7 shooting, while being a perfect 4-for-4 at the foul line. Freshman guard, Riley Ryan (6'5 190, Sheridan, Wyo.) also scored in double figures with 11 points on 4-of-7 shooting as he showed toughness on the defensive end throughout the game.

The Yellow Jackets will be looking to have a great night Saturday night in front of their home fans as they welcome in the nation's undefeated and No. 1 Metro State Roadrunners at a 7:30 pm MT.  It will be Throwback Night to celebrate the old colors of BHSU – wear purple and GO JACKETS!