Rapid City, SD – A big second half lifted the Black Hills State University men's basketball team over the South Dakota School of Mines in a final second thriller. The Yellow Jackets took the win 59-58 to finish out the regular season 20-8 and 17-5 in the RMAC. The Green and Gold finished tied with Dixie State for first in the Regular Season and are officially regular season CO-RMAC Champions.

This is the first regular season RMAC Championship title for the men's basketball team, and for any BHSU athletic team, in the NCAA Division II era.

"I'm incredibly proud of our players and coaching staff," said head coach Ryan Thompson. "I know our guys will take a lot pride in earning the first RMAC Team Championship for BHSU."

The night was almost disastrous for the Yellow Jackets. They scored just 13 points in the first half, allowing the Hardrockers to take an early 27-46 lead.

"Our guys played with a lot of toughness tonight as we couldn't buy a shot in the first half," said Thompson. "They stayed the course and raised their intensity in the second half."

A big second half, 46 points total, allowed the Yellow Jackets to get back in the game. With just seconds remaining, BHSU had pulled within three points of Tech. Joel Scott drained a three pointer, and drew the and one. With nerves of steel, and one second left on the clock, he put away his free throw and the Yellow Jackets pulled ahead 59-58. SDSMT was unable to put a play together in the final second.

"Joel Scott was special down the stretch tonight and he hit one of the biggest shots that I have ever been apart," said Thompson.

On the night, the team shot 23-64 (35 percent). They were only 5 of 19 (26 percent) from downtown. In a deviance from the norm, the Yellow Jackets only hit 44 percent of their free throws (8 of 18). Fortunately, Scott hit his when it counted most.

Scott lead the team with 19 points, shooting 75 percent on the night (8-12). He also pulled down seven boards. Sava Dukic was also in double digits with 16 points. Antonio Capley had a big presence under the net, pulling down seven boards.

The Green and Gold will host at least the first round of the RMAC tournament on Tuesday Night as the number two seed. Dixie State will get the number one seed as they beat BHSU head to head.  Tuesday night will be rowdy as the Hardrockers drew the seventh seed and will face the Yellow Jackets at home, Tuesday night at 7:30pm. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased here: https://bhsuathletics.com/sports/2016/10/13/2017-18-season-tickets-on-sale.aspx or at the doors an hour before tip off.