DILLON, Mont. -- No. 9-ranked Montana Tech men's basketball continued its strong start to the 2024-25 campaign, defeating The Evergreen State University, 93-71, to close out the Montana Western Classic Saturday in Dillon.

Michael Ure led the Orediggers (2-0) with a 21-point, five-rebound performance, while Brayden Koch and Camdyn LaRance each scored 15 points. Hayden Diekhans and Ifeanyi Okeke scored 12 and 10 points, respectively, for Tech in the win. Diekhans added a team-best eight rebounds as well.

The first half was a dogfight. Tech built up a 10-point lead late in the half, but the Geoducks charged back before halftime to cut the deficit to 45-41.

LaRance helped the Orediggers pull away after the break, totaling 11 second-half points and going 4-for-5 from the field. Evergreen cut the lead to two with the first bucket of the half, but the Diggers ripped off a 12-0 run to gain some breathing room. Tech cruised to the win.

Jourdan Joseph highlighted Evergreen State's stat sheet with a game-best 24 points.

Montana Tech will debut at home next time out, taking on Northwest in a 7 p.m. contest in the Best Western Tip Off Classic Friday, Nov. 8 on Kelvin Sampson Court.

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