Butte – In a non-conference game, the Lady Digger basketball team ran past the UM-Western Bulldogs in the second half for a 72-61 victory.

Montana Tech (2-0) finished their second game in as many days early in the 2012-13 season. UM-Western (2-1) lost their first contest of the year.

After a close match-up in the first half, Tech took a one-point lead into the break 40-39.

The second half started slow with only 11 points scored in the first seven minutes. Tech, powered by junior Laini Kalumbi, finally heated up and went on a 17-2 run over the next six minutes to give them a 61-46 lead. The Bulldogs never quite recovered and Tech took the win 72-61.

Junior center Kelsey DeWit had 18 of her 23 points in the first half going 8 of 11 from the field and 7 of 8 from the line. She also added six rebounds, two blocks and three steals to her night's total.

Kalumbi had 10 points in the second half and 12 on the night. She had three assists and a steal.

Mandy Machinal was the only other Digger in double-figures with 11 points, 2 assists and a steal.

The Lady Diggers head to Bozeman Monday night to face the Bobcats.