LAKEWOOD, Colo. – A late comeback fell short for the Black Hills State University men's basketball team as Colorado Christian University thwarted a go-ahead 3-point basket and sank a pair of free throws for the 72-68 victory.

Down 70-63, Riley Ryan scored five-straight points for the Yellow Jackets to give the Green and Gold a chance in the closing seconds. He began the run with an offensive rebound then was fouled where he proceeded to make both free throws with 2:11 on the clock.

After forcing the Cougars into a missed 3-point basket, the Yellow Jackets pulled within two points when Patrick Mendes hit Ryan for the 3-point basket with 1:34 remaining in the game.

Black Hills State had two chances to either knot the game at 70-all or take a 71-70 lead, but couldn't get the final shots to fall. Forced to foul, the Cougars sank a pair of free throws for the 72-68 victory.

Black Hills State falls to 9-9 overall and 7-7 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.

Nick Ongarato scored 15 points in the effort while Riley Ryan added 13 points and six rebounds. Joe Cameron came off the bench to score nine points and grab five rebounds.

Wayne McCullough scored 27 points for CCU, including sinking 6-of-8 3-point baskets as CCU improves to 10-10 overall and 6-8 in the loop.

Black Hills State looks to rebound at Colorado School of Mines Saturday with a 7 p.m. tipoff.