LANCASTER, Calif. – No. 7 Montana Tech rallied in the second half against the (RV) University of Antelope Valley, but came up just short in the final minute. The Orediggers fall to the Pioneers 83-78.

The Orediggers (8-3) trailed 44-37 at the start of the second and by as many as 12 early in the half. Asa Williams was fouled after driving the paint for a layup with 1:35 to go. Williams completed the three point play and the Orediggers took the lead for the first time since the first half 78-77.

But the Pioneers Malachi Coleman hit the go-ahead three with a minute left and the Orediggers missed at the other end of the court.

Williams finished with a game-high 29 points playing 37 minutes. Williams made 5 of his 11 three-point attempts and finished shooting 52.4% from the field.

The Pioneers shot 51.4% from the field in the first half and 47.8% in the game with 48 points in the paint.

The Orediggers used the long ball to get back in the game, but went 10 for 29 from long and shot 40.3% from the field.  

Tech was outrebounded by the Antelope Valley 41-33.

Hayden Diekhans had 14 points coming off the bench that put up 24 for the Orediggers. Diekhans went 5 for 6 from the field and 4 for 5 from the free throw line. Diekhans had a team -high 7 rebounds.

Caleb Bellach had 10 points and 5 rebounds.

Michael Ure finished with 8 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals.

The Pioneers were led by Michael Hayes who finished with a double-double. Hayes had 24 points, 13 rebounds, 5 steals and 3 blocks.

Arik Nicholas had 17 points and 6 rebounds.

CJ Robinson had 14 points and Christian Taylor finished with 13.

Montana Tech is off until after the holiday. The Orediggers host Lakeland College on December 28^th and Ambrose University on December 29^th. The Frontier Conference schedule fires up in the new year with Rocky Mountain on January 6^th at home.