GREAT FALLS, Mont. – The University of Providence men's basketball team lost a closely-contested matchup to the top team in the Frontier Conference Thursday night, falling 74-67 to Montana Tech in the McLaughlin Center.

In a game that featured six ties and eight lead changes the two teams remained tight until the last few minutes. With the Orediggers up 61-58, Caleb Bellach hit a big three to extend the lead to six with 1:14 remaining. The Argos couldn't convert on the next trip down, and the Orediggers hit timely free throws to secure the victory.

"The guys came out and competed and they gave us a shot tonight," assistant coach Tyler Hurley said. "We played really well other than turning the ball over 22 times. We turned it over 14 times in the second half. You can't do that against a team like Tech. They're going to take advantage of it."

Sindou Diallo led the Orediggers (19-5, 8-1) with 21 points and five assists. Bellach added 17 points, while Taylor England recorded a double-double, finishing with 12 points and 11 rebounds.

Four players scored in double-figures for the Argos (11-11, 2-7), led by a double-double from Brendan Howard, who finished with 18 points and 15 rebounds while shooting 8 of 11 from the field. Marcus Stephens finished with 16 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Dawson Fowler recorded 10 points and nine boards while Rashee Stocks added 10 points.

"We did a good job of moving the ball a bit better," Hurley said. "We still need to improve in that area, but we just need to value the ball more and not have 22 turnovers. If we cut that in half, we probably win the game. We were 9 of 15 from the free throw line. We missed the front end of some one-and-ones. Those make huge differences. I thought we played good defense throughout the game, but when those turnovers and missed free throws, that's going to get you in the end of a close game."

The Argos will travel to Helena on Saturday for a 4:00 bout with #12 Carroll College.