Salt Lake City, UT— A strong run by Westminster to end the first half proved the difference as Montana Tech fell to Westminster 61-43.

Montana Tech held the #4 team in the nation close to start the contest with only a three point deficit at the eight minute mark of the first half.

However, in the following 12 minutes of the half the Oredigger women were outscored 22-7 by the Griffins.

In the second half Montana Tech and Westminster played even scoring 28 points apiece to finish with a 63-41 final score.

The Griffins shot 50 percent from the floor while Montana Tech shot 43 percent. The Orediggers shot 38 percent from behind the three point arc.

Mandy Machinal led Montana Tech with 14 points.

Freshman Callee Remsen chipped in 9 points off the bench.

The Orediggers only shot 2 free throws in the contest.

Callie Blake scored 18 points and dished out five assists to lead Westminster. Tia Pappas added 12 markers for the Griffin offense.

Montana Tech falls to 4-5 overall and 0-3 in the Frontier Conference.

Westminster improves to 9-2 overall and 3-0 in the Frontier.

Montana Tech returns to Butte to take on Rocky Mountain College at 5:30 pm M.S.T. on Thursday.