BUTTE, Mont. – No. 5 Carroll College held on at the end as the Montana Tech upset bid falls short 65-59.

The Orediggers (5-14, 1-7) came within two points with 14 seconds on the clock but the Saints made eight free throws in the final minute to seal the victory.

After trailing by eight after the first quarter, the Orediggers battled back to a five point deficit at the break 37-32. Sammy McGree had 11 of her 15 total points in the first half.  

Tech kept the Saints from winning the rebound battle (39-39), but gave up 28 points to the front court of Baylee Watson and Cassidy Hashley.

Hattie Thatcher had 14 points, nine assists and four rebounds.

Rachel Farris had 10 points, six rebounds and three blocks.

Katie Estey had a game high 19 points for the Saints. She added six rebounds to her totals.

The Orediggers are on the road next weekend when they travel to Montana Western and Rocky Mountain College.