BUTTE, Mont. – Montana Tech had the upset within reach, but No. 22 Rocky Mountain battled back in the fourth taking the game 59-54.

The Orediggers (7-15, 3-9) held a three-point lead going into the final frame 44-41. Tech extended the margin to as many as six points in the last quarter. But the Battlin’ Bears clawed their way back to the top.

Tavia Rooney hit a three with 5:11 to go giving the Orediggers a 52-48 lead. The Bears held their ground and took the momentum away outscoring the Orediggers 11-2 down the stretch.

Rocky played their best quarter in the fourth going 6 for 12 from the field and 5 of 6 from the free throw line. The Bears shot 31.7% from the field in the game and went 7 for 28 from beyond the arc. Rocky made 14 of 15 from the free throw line.

Tech shot 29.5% from the field on the night and made 6 of 21 from three-point range. The Orediggers missed just one free throw in the first three quarters but went 6 for 10 in the fourth and finished 12 of 17 from the line.

The Orediggers had the advantage on the boards outrebounding Rocky 42-34. Rooney led the way with 12 boards and finished with 10 points, four assists, and two steals.

Dani Urick had 11 points to lead the Orediggers and grabbed five rebounds.

Soda Rice had nine rebounds and six on offense. Rice finished with four points, three assists, and a pair of blocks.

Aubrie Rademacher and Challis Westwater had eight points each.

Kloie Thatcher and Ky Buell had 13 points each for the Bears.

Grace Lekvold had 12 points and seven rebounds.

Dominiqui Stephens had eight points and nine rebounds.

Montana Tech has their third ranked opponent in a row next week when they host No. 11 Carroll College Thursday for the final home game of the season.

Box Score