CHANDLER, Arizona—Montana Tech battled but lost their first game of the Cactus Classic against Valley City State (N.D.) 69-56.

The Orediggers fought back from an early 15-8 deficit to start the game to take the lead 16-15 midway through the first half. Montana Tech's lead slipped away as Valley City's Alex Quist started the contest 3-for-3 from downtown.

The Diggers went into the halftime trailing 36-25 after shooting just 41 percent from the floor and 0-for-7 from three-point land.

Montana Tech struggled with foul trouble throughout the contest sending the Vikings to the charity stripe 29 times.

Valley City State was led in scoring by Rashad Satahoo who had 17 markers.

The Orediggers had three players finish in double figures with Chris O'Neill leading with 14 points and Sadiq Inuwa and Kale Guldseth contributing 11 points apiece.

Montana Tech takes on the University of Calgary Tuesday at 3 PM in the Diggers second game of the Cactus Classic.