GREAT FALLS, Mont. – The University of Providence men's basketball program picked up their first conference win defeating Montana Western 94-83 Saturday night. 

The Bulldogs (8-8) scored the first basket of the game when Jacksen Burckley found Abi Adedo in the paint for a layup.

The Argos (8-8) responded with a layup of their own from Jake Olsen to tie the game at two.

The Bulldogs would get out to a six-point lead but a jumper by senior Sam Vining and back-to-back threes from senior Davien Harris-Williams gave the Argos a two-point lead.

The Argos would slowly extend their lead out to 10 with another three from Vining and a layup by Harris-Williams.

Montana Western would cut the lead to three, but a layup from junior Drayton Caoile gave the Argos a three-point advantage going into the break. Harris-Williams led the way for the Argos scoring 20 points in the first half.

The Bulldogs would hit a pair of free throws for the first points of the second half, but the Argos would answer immediately with a layup from Burton.

Each side would trade baskets, but a tough layup from Harris-Williams and a dunk from senior Jaylin Reed extended the Argo lead to 11 five minutes into the second half.

Following a Montana Western timeout, the Bulldogs made a pair of baskets, but a jumper by junior Kenny Curtis and a three by senior Jevon Burton kept the Argos ahead by 11.

The Argos would continue their momentum going on a 7-0 run, but back-to-back jumper by senior Sam Vining and a three by Reed extended the Argo lead to 16.

Both teams would go back-and-forth but a runner by Vining gave UP an 18-point advantage midway through the half.

Montana Western would slowly chip into the lead but fadeaway jumper by Harris-Williams kept the Argos ahead by 15.

The Bulldogs would cut the lead to 11 but a free throw and a jumper from Reed made it a 14-point game with four minutes left.

The Bulldogs would go on a run to cut the lead to eight, but layups by Reed and Olsen pushed the lead back out to 12 with just under two minutes remaining.

Despite a late and one from the Bulldogs, the Argos made their free throws down the stretch as UP came away with the 94-83 victory over Montana Western. Harris-Williams led the way for UP scoring 30 points and adding 10 rebounds and six assists.  

The Argos will be back in action Jan. 18 when they visit Havre, Mont. Tip-off versus MSU-Northern is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. in the Armory Gymnasium.