GREAT FALLS, Mont. – The 14^th-ranked University of Providence men's basketball team held off a ferocious second-half effort by Montana Tech Monday night, winning 86-83.

The Argos, who were up by over 20 points in the first half, allowed a late first-half run and went into the break up 13. The Orediggers kept climbing away, getting within three points with 2:14 left.

Up one with ten seconds left, Argo forward Zaccheus Darko-Kelly was fouled by Sindou Diallo. Darko-Kelly made both free throws, before fouling Markeith Brown Jr. on the other end with 3.2 seconds remaining. Brown Jr. missed both free throws, and the Argos came away with the victory.

"We did what we had to do to win," head coach Steve Keller said. "It wasn't pretty, which is what you expect in your first game out. Give them credit, they're not going to go down without a fight. I told the guys at half, 'they're not going to lay down for us.' They fought back hard."

Darko-Kelly, who was named a Preseason All-American and the Frontier Conference Player of the Year, was an assist short of a triple-double tonight, recording 14 points, 12 rebounds, nine assists and three blocks. The Argos were led in scoring by two newcomers; Davien Harris-Williams scored 19 points and grabbed seven boards, while Cap Uzan scored 16 points.

"They're both good players," Keller said. "They both stepped up in crunch time a little bit. It was a good job by a couple of our new guys."

The win marks the first time the Argos have competed in a game in over 300 days. Keller noted some issues that need to be addressed, specifically pointing out transition defense, but overall was happy with the result given the circumstances.

"We got a win on the road," Keller said. "That's a good win. We'll take a win on the road anytime."

The Argos will be back in action tomorrow night, with a rematch against the Orediggers scheduled for 7:00 p.m.