Montana Tech advances to the Round of 8: Watch Party tomorrow

How bout them Diggers from Butte!

Add a couple more “For the first time in Oredigger basketball history” to the growing list.

For the first time, the Orediggers will play in the round of 8 at the NAIA National Tournament.

AND, with the win last night, the Diggs hung win number 29 in the books… For the first time in program history.

The #4 seed in the Cramer quadrant, The Montana Tech Orediggers advanced into the round of 8 after an overtime win over #1 seed William Penn, 79-78. Four of Montana Tech’s starters finished in double digits, led by Michael Ure with 19, Asa Williams with 17, Hayden Diedkans finished with 16 points and 9 rebounds, and Cam Larance netted 14.

The Diggs ran into foul trouble in the block but were able to fight through it. They lost the rebounding battle by 15 (to the best rebounding team in the country) BUT won the turnover game, causing 20 Statesman turnovers on the night.

Next on the docket is OUAZ, Ottawa University- Arizona.

OUAZ is a new campus in Surprise Arizona, affiliated with the ‘main’ Ottawa University in Ottawa, Kansas. OUAZ was founded in 2017, and the Spirit compete in the Golden State Athletic Conference, as well as the Sooner Athletic Conference (for football).

The Spirit are 3-0 against Frontier schools so far this season, with wins over Rocky, Carroll, and Providence, all during the Cactus Classic in December. They are a team that doesn’t jump off the page, they don’t lead the country in a certain stat, or group of stats. But, they do jump off the page where it matters, they have won 6 straight games. They have wins over Arizona Christian (#2 in the country), Oklahoma Wesleyan (#7), Hope International (RV), Baker KS (RV), Westmont CA, and Southeastern FL, in that run.

The Spirit are playing their best basketball at the best time.

The Spirit have 4 guys averaging double digits, they are led by Josiah De’laCerda with nearly 18 ppg, Keshawn Druner comes in at 16, Alex Villi at 13, and Kolten Hitt with 10 ppg. OUAZ on the season has averaged 83 points a game, and their defense has allowed 75.

Tipoff is scheduled for 2 pm MT Wednesday, the game can be watched (pay-per-view) on the NAIA website. There will also be a watch party at the Knights of Columbus starting at 1:30. Hopefully we will see you at the KC to cheer on the Orediggers!

#RollDiggs

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