Spearfish, SD – In a bitter, hard fought win, the Black Hills State University men's basketball team defeated the New Mexico Highlands University Cowboys 73-66. The Yellow Jackets split the weekend to move to 14 – 3 in RMAC play and 17-6 on the season. They remain tied for first place in the conference.

The first half was an ugly back and forth battle. The Yellow Jackets could not connect from the three point line shooting just 11 percent in the first half. However, they were good for 80 percent of their free throws, giving them a slight 31- 29 advantage at half. A more conservative long game in the second half, coupled with a 45 percent shooting rate from the field, and 18 of 19 free throws, the Yellow Jackets were able to come away with the win.

Overall on the night, the team hit 22 of 51 shots including just three baskets from downtown. They were strongest from the charity stripe hitting 89.7 percent of their shots.

Sava Dukic was the big play maker for the Yellow Jackets. He recorded 23 points and was a foul magnet, making an impressive 10 of 11 free throws. Joel Scott posted a double – double, scoring 11 points and pulling down 11 boards. Tyler Oliver was the only other Yellow Jacker in double digits, scoring 16 points; eight of which came from the free throw line. He also pulled down nine boards and recorded three assists.

The Green and Gold are home again next weekend for the final home games of the regular season. They host MSU Denver and Chadron State.