BUTTE, Mont. – Montana Tech came up just short of upsetting No. 16 Montana State Northern in the final minute of the Frontier Conference opener 66-63.

This is the second close loss for the Orediggers (6-6, 0-1) to a top 25 team in the past week.

The Orediggers held a lead in the fourth quarter before the Lights fought their way back. Hattie Thatcher made things close hitting a field goal and three pointer in the final seconds for a 64-63 deficit with three seconds to go. After fouling on the inbound, Katie Fertterer made both of her free throws. The Orediggers did not have time
to get a final shot off.

Montana Tech ran with Montana State Northern the entire game, including a tie at 23 going into halftime and a three point lead after three quarters 40-37.

The Lights outrebounded the Orediggers 39-27 in the game and had 16 offensive boards.

The Orediggers were a perfect 17 of 17 from the free throw line.

Thatcher finished the game with 20 points, five rebounds, five assists and a pair of steals. She shot 7 of 7 from the charity stripe.

Natalee Faupel finished with a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds.

Martha Dembek had 16 points and seven rebounds.

Kaylynn Coverdell had 10 points, four rebounds and two steals.

Montana Tech hosts the University of Great Falls Saturday.