BILLINGS, Mont. – Rocky Mountain slipped past the Orediggers in the second half downing Tech 71-59.

Tech led 28-24 at the half, but a sluggish start in the second doomed the Diggers.

Rocky opened the second frame with a 21-6 run in the first six minutes taking a 45-34 lead. The Bears held on to that lead the rest of the game.

Rob Nyby led all scoring dropping 26 points. Ben Moerkerke had a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.

Lukas Vining led the Diggers with 15 points. Paul Engstrom had 13 points and eight rebounds.

The Orediggers (6-16, 1-9) lose their third straight.

Montana Tech returns home Thursday when they host Montana State Northern.