GREAT FALLS, Mont. – Parker Esary and Emilee Maldonado both scored 20 points Thursday night as the #16 University of Providence women's basketball team defeated Montana Tech 70-54 in the McLaughlin Center. The win marks the 12^th straight victory for the squad, who suffered their last loss on Dec. 2. 

Up eight at the break, the Argos (21-3, 8-1) outscored the Orediggers (11-13, 2-7) 23-14 in the third quarter to blow the game seemingly wide-open. The Orediggers attempted to make a late push, but a late three-pointer from Maldonado followed by a layup from Esary put the game out of reach.

"I'm really pleased with how we defended," Himmelberg said. "We didn't score great in that second quarter, but our defense carried us the whole game. They're a good team. I thought we moved the ball pretty well. Emilee and Parker both were big tonight."

The two All-Americans were indeed big on the night. Esary finished with a double-double, scoring 20 points, grabbing 11 rebounds and went 8 for 8 from the free throw line. Maldonado finished with 20 points, six rebounds and five assists and nailed all four of her three point attempts. Brooklyn Harn scored 10 points off the bench while Reed Hazard added nine for the squad.

"Parker and Emilee were both big tonight," Himmelberg said. "They were both making big shots.. Emilee hit a couple threes down the stretch that were late in the shot clock, and Parker hit some tough shots inside. Those were big shots. They can make big shots when they need too. It's really fun having those two out there and I'm just enjoying every minute with them."

Brooke Heggie led the Orediggers with 13 points and five rebounds while Celestina Faletoi added 10 points and five boards.

The squad will now turn their attention to the #7 Carroll College Fighting Saints, who the team will play in Helena on Saturday. That game will tip-off at 2:00 p.m.

"We're going to have to take care of the basketball and we're going to have to rebound," Himmelberg said. "Carroll is a good rebounding team so we have to rebound against them. That'll be a focus for us."