GOLDEN, Colo. – Behind the bench power of Cassidy Budge and Heidi Hammond, Colorado School of Mines cruised past Embry-Riddle (Ariz.) 79-51 on Saturday, November 26 in Lockridge Arena.

Cassidy Budge led the way with 15 points, seven rebounds (four offensive) and four assists as the Orediggers (4-5) dominated the visiting Eagles (5-7). 

Mines methodically wore down the first-year program as they took the lead from the beginning and never trailed. The Orediggers jumped out of the gates a little slow, but eventually built to a 12-2 lead with 3:32 left in the opening quarter. 

ERAU eventually narrowed the gap to 23-17 at the 6:32 mark in the second quarter, but back-to-back four-point and seven-point runs by Mines pushed the lead to 15 (34-19) before settling into a 41-20 halftime advantage.

By the end of the third quarter, the Orediggers took over their largest lead of the game as they led the Eagles by 33 points (59-26). From there, it was fairly academic as Mines kept a 30-point lead the rest.

Notables
-    In the first home appearance of her career, Heidi Hammond gave the Orediggers 11 points in 13 minutes as she drained 3-of-4 three-point attempts.
-    Cassidy Budge, Heidi Hammond and Paige Husa led a strong bench unit that produced 48 of Mines' 79 points. 
-    Mikaela Moore led the team with eight rebounds (four offensive) to go along five points.
-    Laura Tyree gave another strong performance as she posted 14 points, seven rebounds and four assists in 23 minutes of action.
-    Mines drilled 11 three-pointers on the afternoon for a 42.3% performance from deep.
-    The Orediggers also won the rebounding battle 49-33 and 14-6 on the offensive glass.

Up Next
Mines kicks off its RMAC Championship defense next weekend as they host Chadron State and Regis on Friday and Saturday, December 2-3.