BUTTE—No. 9 Montana Western held on in the final seconds defeating Montana Tech 66-61.

The Orediggers (7-14, 1-9) rallied late in the game pulling within three points in the final minute against Frontier Conference leading Bulldogs (18-3, 8-1).

Kale Guldseth hit a three pointer with 1:22 left on the clock bringing the score to 64-60. Chris O'Neill hit one of two free throws on the next possession with 36 clicks left. Western would stall on the final possession of the game finishing with a field goal in the final seconds.

Both teams shot an even 41 percent from the field in the game. But the Orediggers were 0 for 11 from three point range in the first half leading to a 35-25 deficit at the break.

O'Neill led the Oreidggers in scoring with 18 points going 6 for 13 from the field and 3 of 8 from beyond the arc. He added eight rebounds and four assists to his totals.

Guldseth was the only other Digger in double-digits netting 10.

Lukas Vining had a game high 10 rebounds and seven points.

Dom Robinson led the Bulldogs with 20 points.  

Montana Tech is home again on Saturday when they host Rocky Mountain College at 7:30 p.m.