BUTTE, Mont. – Montana Tech lost an early lead, but battled the entire game. Montana Western came out on top after the dust settled 79-72.

The Orediggers opened the game with a seven point run and led by as many as 14 with 10:04 to go in the first half. Western battled back on a nine point run pulling the game within three at 28-25 with 4:18 to go in the first half. The Bulldogs finish the final minutes scoring 12-7 to take a 37-35 lead into the break.

The teams traded leads in the beginning of the second half before the Bulldogs turned in a 14-5 dash late in the half making it a 68-56 game with 3:50 to go in the half. Western went on to keep Tech at a short distance the rest of the game.

Montana Western took advantage of 22 Tech turnovers scoring 17 off the mistakes. The Bulldogs also hit 30 of 40 from the free throw line.

Senior Paul Engstrom turned in a double-double with 15 points and a career high 16 rebounds. He was 5 of 8 from the field and a perfect 5 of 5 from the charity stripe.

Freshman Lukas Vining turned in a 16 point performance for a career high. He was 6 of 11 from the field and 2 of 4 from three.

Cruz Ginns Jr. had 15 points, five rebounds and two assists. He was 2 of 3 from three and shot 50 percent in the game.

The Orediggers (6-10, 0-4) lose their eleventh straight.

Montana Tech hosts Rocky Mountain College on Saturday. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.