BUTTE, Mont. – Montana State Northern Skylights used strong defense and showing why they are ranked No. 15. The Skylights defeat the Orediggers 58-42.

Montana Tech (6-6, 2-4) picks up the loss after winning their last two.

Northern (15-3, 5-1) gets back to their winning ways after falling to Westminster last weekend.

The Orediggers shot better than the visiting Skylights, but they didn't find the basket enough. Tech shot 45 percent from the field in the game and 50 percent from three point range.

Northern jumped out early, but the Orediggers were able to tie the game just before half time at 21. The Skylights scored four right before the break taking a 25-21 lead into half time.

The second half was all Skylights. Northern shot 50 percent from three in the second half and hit 8 of 11 from the line. They outscored the Diggers 58-42 in the second stanza.

Kabri Emerson led the Diggers with 13 points on 6 of 7 shooting. She also had eight rebounds and two assists.

Kelsey DeWit netted 11 points and added four rebounds, two steals and a block to her totals.

Callee Resmen dropped seven from off the bench.

Rachelle Bennett led the Lights with 13 points while hitting 2 of 4 from three.

A'Jha Edwards had 11 boards and eight points.

Montana Tech hosts Lewis-Clark State tomorrow night on Kelvin Sampson Court.