CHADRON, Neb. – Oredigger sophomore Denali Pinto exploded for 31 points on Friday night as the Colorado School of Mines Women's Basketball team claimed a 63-57 win over Chadron State inside the Chicoine Center.
 
Pinto led all players in scoring thanks to 9-of-16 shooting from the floor including five three-pointers while going 8-for-8 at the free-throw line. Pinto also added five rebounds, four assists and three steals. On the glass, Sammy Van Sickle racked up 11 rebounds which was tops in the game. She produced eight points and five assists as well. The duo of Liz Holter and Courtney Stanton combined for 17 points and eight rebounds.
 
The Orediggers (15-6, 12-4 RMAC) earned their seventh straight win thanks to long-range shooting and stifling defense. As a team, Mines racked up 10 three-point baskets and forced Chadron State (5-20, 3-13 RMAC) to commit 14 turnovers, which resulted in 10 steals for the Orediggers. With the victory, Mines extends its winning streak to seven straight games. The Orediggers also move into a tie for #2 in the RMAC standings.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
As snow piled up on the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, Mines found itself safely nestled in northwest Nebraska. Despite being nearly five hours from home, the Orediggers showed no fear as they jumped out to a 10-2 lead over the host Eagles. However, Chadron State shot right back with a 15-0 run to take a 17-10 lead. By the end of the opening quarter, CSC held strong to a 22-17 advantage.
 
Holter opened the second quarter with a basket from long range followed by a layup courtesy of Pinto to tie the game, 22-22. The Eagles proceeded to take the lead once again and Pinto tied the game again with a pair of free throws. Then, with 6:51 remaining in the half, Van Sickle turned the tide of the game. In less than one minute, the sophomore forward went on a 5-0 run all by herself and gave Mines a 29-26 lead. The Orediggers never looked back and never trailed the remainder of the game.
 
Heidi Hammond's three-point bucket at the 4:17 mark of the third quarter provided the visitors their largest lead of the game at 52-37. All 15 points of that lead proved necessary when Chadron State held Mines scoreless for over five minutes in the final period. However, Pinto drained two free throws in the final seconds and sealed the deal.
 
COACH'S COMMENT
"Chadron has always been a tough place to play," said Oredigger Head Coach Brittany Simpson, "So I'm really proud of our team and the win they were able to get tonight."
 
NOTABLES
- Mines improved to 30-34 in the all-time series against Chadron State thanks to Friday's win.
- Pinto boasts three games of 30 points, or more, in less than two years at Mines.
- Pinto also moved over 800 points for her career thanks to her scoring outburst at Chadron State.
- The Orediggers' seven-game winning streak is its longest of the season.
- Van Sickle touts 29 rebounds over her last two games.
- Head Coach Brittany Simpson is 127-94 in eight years at the helm.
 
WHAT'S NEXT
Mines returns to Colorado to face MSU Denver on Saturday afternoon at 4:30 p.m. Live stats and video of the game will be available at www.minesathletics.com.
 
Fans can follow Mines Women's Basketball on social media at @MinesWBB. Fans can also follow all of Mines Athletics at www.minesathletics.com or on social media at @MinesAthletics.