BUTTE, Mont. – The Orediggers battled back in the second half against No. 3 Lewis-Clark State, but the Warriors held out for the victory 84-75.

Montana Tech (7-19, 2-12) drops their second straight while Lewis-Clark (24-2, 12-2) wins their fifth in a row.

Despite a 40-25 deficit at halftime, the Orediggers fought back outscoring the Warriors 50-44 in the second half. Tech shot 59.4 percent from the field in the second half and 50 percent in the game. From beyond the arc, Tech hit 9 of 20 on the night.

Continually outpacing the competition, the Warriors shot 56.6 percent from the field and 41.2 percent from three point in the game.

Jalen Coates had a game high 24 points shooting 3 for 6 from three point range. He also had four rebounds, four assists and four steals.

Lukas Vining had a career high 19 points shooting 7 for 13 from the field and 2 for 4 from beyond the arc.

Jacob Wiley shot 8 for 11 from the field and finished with 16 points and four rebounds.

Cammie Lewis had 15 points and four rebounds.

Montana Tech is home next week for their final two home games. The Orediggers host Rocky Mountain next Thursday at 7:30 p.m.