CHANDLER, Ariz.- Montana Tech opened the Cactus Classic by winning their fifth straight game, outlasting Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University 59-57 Wednesday afternoon. The Orediggers (7-2) matched their win total from last season, and the five-game winning streak is the longest since the 2019-2020 season.

Montana Tech overcame a 9-1 run by the Eagles to start the game to finish the first quarter with a 17-16 lead. A three pointer by Avery Carlson with just under 8 minutes to play in the first half would give the Orediggers a 22-21 lead, and the Eagles would not hold another lead in the contest. 

Embry-Riddle (4-9) started the third quarter on a 5-0 run before Aubrie Rademacher scored two of her game high 18 points to stop the Eagles rally. The two teams traded baskets throughout the third quarter with Montana Tech holding on to a 47-42 lead entering the final frame.

The Orediggers would extend their lead to as much as 8 in the fourth quarter but the Eagles were able to chip their way back to within 2 in the final minutes. The Orediggers tough defense and timely shooting would win out in the end, allowing them to extend their early season winning streak.

The Orediggers shot 40.2% for the game and forced 22 Embry-Riddle turnovers, despite the Eagles holding a 46-37 rebounding advantage.

Rademacher finished with 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 steals (all team highs), and was joined in double-digit scoring by Ally Cleverly and Macy Mayer with 14 and 10 points respectively. Freshman Avery Carlson chipped in with 7 points shooting a perfect 2-for-2 from the field and 1-for-1 from behind the arc. Carlson lead a Montana Tech bench that outscored the Eagle reserves 22-8.

Embry-Riddle had three players reach double digits in scoring, led by Susie Reynoso with 15 points, Mehgan Strickler with 13, and Zackiirah King with 10.

Montana Tech will return to the floor Thursday for a 4pm matchup against Jessup University, before finishing Cactus Classic action versus The Master's on Friday. You can view the full schedule HERE.