BUTTE, Mont. – Martha Dembek dropped 29 points and the Orediggers hold off Montana Western 72-66.

Montana Tech led Western all but the first four minutes of the game. Going into the final quarter, Tech led 58-47. But the Bulldogs made it a game as Kaye Bignell pulled to within one point of the Orediggers twice in the final two minutes. Montana Tech held out making 5 of their 8 free throws down the stretch.

The Orediggers shot 43.1 percent in the game and 72.7 percent from the free throw line.

Dembek had 16 of her career high 29 points in the first half and finished the game shooting 8 for 13 from the field, 3 for 5 from beyond the arc and a perfect 10 for 10 from the free throw line. She also had seven rebounds, three assists and a block.

The Orediggers outrebounded the Bulldogs 43-32 including 13 offensive boards and 14 second chance points.

Hattie Thatcher had a game high 12 rebounds tying her career best. She added eight points, four assists and three steals to her totals.

Rachel Farris was the only other Digger in double figures with 11 points and five rebounds.

Sierra Higheagle led Western with 23 points hitting 10 of 15 in the game.

Aniese Palmore had 16 points and four rebounds.

The Orediggers (8-19, 4-12) move ahead of the Bulldogs (13-15, 3-13) in the Frontier Conference standings.

Montana Tech is on the road for their final two games next weekend. The University of Great Falls welcomes the Orediggers next Friday.