GREAT FALLS, Mont. – The University of Providence women's basketball program fell to Montana Tech 73-66 Thursday night.

The Argos (15-7) scored the first basket of the game off a three from sophomore Taliah Lee but the Orediggers (14-9) responded with a triple of their own to tie the game at three.

Both teams would trade baskets but a 12-0 run from the Argos punctuated with a layup from senior Kolby Pimperton gave the Argos a 22-12 lead heading into the second quarter.

The Orediggers struck first to start the second with a 4-0 run, but senior Ashlee Maldonado responded with a layup of her own to keep the Argos lead at eight.

The Orediggers continued their momentum with a 13-0 run to take a 32-27 lead with two minutes to go in the half.

UP scored the final two baskets of the half including a buzzer beating jumper from Monique Carter to make it 31-34 going into the break. Lee led the Argos scorers with eight points in the first half.

Montana Tech made the first bucket to start the second half, but the Argos answered with six straight points from Taliah Lee and Monique Carter to cut the deficit to one with five minutes left in the third.

The two teams would go back and forth the rest of the quarter but an and one from sophomore Eliannah Ramirez tied the game at 49 heading into the fourth.

Each side traded baskets to start the fourth but the Orediggers regained the lead 55-51 with seven minutes remaining.

UP responded slowly cutting into the Montana Tech lead until a jumper from Carter put the Argos ahead by one with two minutes left to play.

Montana Tech quickly regained a three-point lead, and despite late pressure from the Argos, UP fell to Montana Tech 73-66.

The Argos will be back in action Saturday, Feb. 8 when they host Rocky Mountain College. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. in the McLaughlin Center.