BUTTE, Mont. – Montana Tech falls to Montana State Northern in the Frontier Conference opener 76-62.

Montana State Northern (6-0, 1-0) used a large first half margin to keep Montana Tech at bay. The Lights outscored the Orediggers 41-26 in the first frame in what proved to be the winning margin.

The Orediggers (6-4, 0-1) played even basketball in the second half but couldn't overcome the first half deficit.

The Lights shot 46.9 percent from the field and 13 of 26 from beyond the arc.

Chris O'Neill had 19 points for the Orediggers shooting 9 of 18 from the field. The junior college transfer had five rebounds and a pair of assists.

Carson Dummer had 15 points off the bench competing 7 of 7 from the field. He also had four rebounds.

Devin Bray led the Lights scoring 19 points off the bench. The Missoula native and brother of former Oredigger football player Alec Bray went 5 for 6 from three point
range and 4 for 4 from the line.

David Straughter had 14 points and eight rebounds for the Lights.

Montana Tech is home again on Saturday hosting the University of Great Falls Argos.