BUTTE, Mont. – Montana State Northern held out in the final minutes as they outlast Montana Tech 61-58.

The Orediggers pulled within one on a Cruz Ginns Jr. three pointer with 1:01 left in the game. David Straughter hit a field goal at the other end and the Lights hit three
out of four of their free throws on their next two possessions to take a 59-53 lead.

Lukas Vining hit a three pointer with six second left bringing the Orediggers within three at 59-56, but Northern hit two of four free throws down the stretch.

Northern crashed the boards winning the rebound battle 43-32 and grabbed 15 offensive rebounds.

The Orediggers (6-17, 1-10) lose their fourth straight.

Tech shot 41.1 percent from the field in the game and hit 3 of 7 from three point range.

Ginns Jr. had a game high 17 points and grabbed six rebounds. He shot 7 of 15 in the game and 2 of 3 from three.

Paul Engstrom turned in a double-double with 12 points, 13 rebounds and two blocks.

Jalen Coates had 16 points.

Warren Edmondson had 13 points and six rebound for the Lights.

Montana Tech is home again on Saturday. The Diggers host the University of Great Falls Argos.