BUTTE, Mont. – After a close first half, the Orediggers pulled away from the Bulldogs winning 71-60.
Montana Tech (9-3, 1-1) picked up their first win of the Frontier Conference season and first victory against Montana Western since February 26, 2015.
The Orediggers rushed out to a quick lead in the first half, leading by as many as 9. Western worked their way back into the game taking a one point lead from a Jaycob Payne three-pointer with 4:48 left in the half.
Nick Fitts hit a three pointer for the Orediggers with 3:19 left in the half to give the Orediggers a 30-28 lead. Montana Tech would lead the rest of the game.
The Orediggers shot 51.6 percent in the first half and hit 4 for 9 from beyond the arc.
The Orediggers opened the second frame with 15 straight points before Western got on the board. The Bulldogs narrowed the lead to 7, but that was as close as they would get.
Tech finished shooting 50 percent from the field in the game.
Taylor England led all scorers with 19 points on 9 of 15 shooting. The sophomore forward pulled down 8 rebounds and a block.
Nate Ward had 16 points, 6 steals and 3 assists.
Derrius Collins shot 4 for 5 and 2 for 3 from deep finishing with 12 points.
Payne led Western with 13 points and 7 rebounds.
Montana Tech is home again on Saturday when they host the University of Alberta Augustana.
