BUTTE, Mont.- It took a full 40 minutes of play, but the Orediggers of Montana Tech were able to hand the Rustlers of Lakeland College their first loss of the season, 59-50.

The Rustlers came to the Mining City with a perfect 11-0 record, and it was easy to see why they hadn't lost.

The Orediggers jumped out to a quick 15-5 lead after the first, and extended that lead even further by the half, going into the break with a 33-20 advantage.

Montana Tech rolled into the second half strong, but the Rustlers started to find their balance. Lakeland College 'won' the third quarter by a score of 13-11, and continued to fight hard into the fourth, trimming the Orediggers lead down to seven at times, but could never reel in the Orediggers fully.

Montana Tech's effort was once again off the charts, as the Orediggers outrebounded the Rustlers 43-30, they finished with nine steals and caused 17 total turnovers.

Individually, Ally Cleverly and Chloe Santeford each accounted for 3 steals, and Aubrie Rademacher pulled down a career-high 17 rebounds. (which ties her with Dannielle Devenny for fifth all-time, for single-game rebounds)

Offensively, the Orediggers were paced by Liv Wangerin with 12 points, on 4-8 shooting. Also breaking into double digits was Brooklyn Hankwitz finishing with 11 points, on 4-9 shooting. Brooklyn also handled eight rebounds and had two blocked shots as well.

Hineeaupounamu (Missy) Nuku led the Rustlers with 17 points on 6-19 shootings. Missy, had only two points in the first half, and caught fire in the second half.

The Orediggers (8-4) will be back in action tomorrow at 2:00 PM against Ambrose University in the HPER. (Link to the webstream HERE.) That will be the final non-conference game of the season.