BUTTE, Mont.- Montana Tech hung tough with No. 8 University of Providence before a shooting slump sabotaged the Oredigger upset, 76-71.

The Orediggers (10-6, 2-3 Conf.) trailed at the half 39-36 in the back-and-forth contest that saw both teams struggle from downtown. Montana Tech finished the contest 2-for-21 (9.5%) from downtown while Providence similarly was 3-for-20 (15%) from outside. The defensive pressure from both teams made for tough shooting nights all around. 

"Providence is a great team with many weapons on the floor," remarked Tech coach Adam Hiatt. "We were solid defensively for most of the night, in particular in the second half. Ultimately, it's tough to win conference games when open shots aren't falling."  

Montana Tech and Providence both had four players score in double figures. Taylor England led all scorers with 21 points on 10-for-14 shooting while Sindou Diallo followed closely behind with 20 points while going 12-for-14 at the foul line. Troy Owens Jr. added 12 markers while Dylan Pannabecker scored 10. Drew Huse tallied 4 points and Connor Kieckbusch and Cody Baumstarck each had 2 points. Providence had four players reach double figures in Zaccheus Darko-Kelly leading the way with 18 points.

The Orediggers finished the night  shooting 39.4% from the floor while Providence shot 46.8%. 

"This team has a lot of potential, and we look forward to bouncing back on Saturday," added Hiatt. 

The Orediggers return to action on Saturday night when they play host to MSU-Northern. That game tips off at 7:30 p.m. The first 50 Montana Tech students at the games receive a free t-shirt.