Butte – Montana Tech outscored South Dakota Tech in the second half and pulled out the victory 78-68 in the season opener Friday night.

The game saw 50 fouls and 58 free throw attempts between the two teams. Montana Tech just shot better than the Hardrockers and pulled away at the end using their free throws down the stretch. The Diggers made 23 free throws to the Hardrockers 14.

It took both teams over ten minutes into the game to find their stride. The game was tied at eight at the 10:45 mark when South Dakota had an 8-0 run to make the score 16-8.

With 7:30 left in the half, Adam Greger hit his first three-pointer of the night giving the Orediggers an offensive spark. Junior transfer Travis Peevey hit two consecutive three-pointers pulling the Oredigger even with the Hardrockers.   
The Hardrockers hit a three-pointer at the first half buzzer to give South Dakota a two-point lead at the break, 34-32.

The teams grinded out the second half with neither squad grabbing more than a five point lead. Both teams were in bonus with 6:00 minutes to play giving way to a free throw battle to end the game. The Orediggers came out on top 78-68.

Last season's Frontier Freshman of the Year Adam Greger had 19 points and five rebounds going 8 of 9 from the free throw line.

Junior Bryan Bock had 19 points in his first game back after a season ending injury last year. He also had two rebounds
and three assists on the night.

Senior Dan Simon had nine points and 10 rebounds.

Peevey was the only other Digger in double-digit points with 13. He grabbed five rebounds and two assists.

AJ Trennepohl led the Hardrockers with 21 points. Calvin Thomas has 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Montana Tech takes to the road and a Division I opponent in Idaho State on November 1.