Chadron State downs CSM women, 75-58

GOLDEN, Colo. – The Colorado School of Mines women’s basketball team was defeated by Chadron State in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) action on Friday evening at Lockridge Arena by a score of 75-58.

The Orediggers led by as many as nine points early in the first half as Kelsey Crist drained a three pointer to make the score 14-5 with 15:21 on the clock. A seven-point lead at 24-17 with 6:54 remaining disappeared as CSC scored eight unanswered points to takes its first lead after Samantha Arkulari made a pair of free throws with 4:15 left in the first half. The Eagles outscored Mines 13-5 in the final 6:54 and took a one-point lead into the break.

Chadron State would lead the rest of the way increasing their lead to 10 points with 9:36 remaining in the game. CSM was able to cut its deficit to four points at the 8:08 mark but the Eagles answered pushing their lead to 11 points and were able to hold of Mines down the stretch for the win.

CSC shot 79.4 % from the free throw line (27-for-34) as Arkulari shot 16 free throws alone. The Eagles also held a 45 to 37 on the boards. Three players finished the game in double figures for Chadron State (3-12, 3-5 RMAC) led by 25 points from the RMAC’s leading scorer Kaitlin Petri. Petri added 12 rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Arkulari scored 19 points, 13 of which came from the free throw line, while Kelsey Scott contributed 10 points and four rebounds.

Brecca Gaffney recorded her third double-double of the season as she finished with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Kelsey Crist and Katie Carty each finished with nine points while Stephanie Fogle added eight points.

The Orediggers (10-5 overall, 5-3 RMAC) will host Nebraska-Kearney tomorrow evening, Saturday, Jan. 23rd at 6:00 pm at Lockridge Arena. On Monday, Jan. 25th CSM will play a non-conference game at Johnson & Wales (CO) at 6:00 pm.

-- OREDIGGERS --