ASHLAND, Oregon – Montana Tech men's basketball opened the weekend with a 73-68 victory over Southern Oregon at the Flagship Inn Tournament. 

The Orediggers (5-2) traded leads with the Raiders in the first half. Tech led by six early before the Raiders turned the table with a seven point lead of their own. The Orediggers trailed 33-31 at the break. 

The Oredigger played from behind in the second half but tied the game with 4:23 to go at 65. After a Raiders three-pointer, Keeley Bake hit a three to tie the game at 67 and was fouled on the shot. Bake made the ensuing free throw to go ahead 69-68 with 1:31 left in the game. Tech was able to hold on hitting free throws in the final minute. 

The Orediggers finished shooting 43.5 percent from the field and hit 6 of 16 from three. 

The Raiders outrebounded the Orediggers 41-32.

Caleb Bellach scored all of his points in the second half to lead the Orediggers with 15. 

Taylor England had 13 points and eight rebounds. 

Sindou Diallo had 12 points, five rebounds, and seven assists. 

Derrius Collins had nine points and five rebounds. 

Josh Meyer led the Raiders with 17 points and 11 boards. Joe Juhala had 15 points and five rebounds. 

Tez Allen had a game-high 12 rebounds. 

Montana Tech faces Oregon Tech tomorrow.