It’s time for Tech – Western, Western – Tech, Digger – Dawg. Whatever you want to call it, it is always a game that is circled on the calendar. This will be the third and final regular season matchup between the two, though they could certainly see one another in the tournament.

Tech's Tavia Rooney looks for a cutting Dani Urick Thursday night at Kelvin Sampson Court. Photo: Tommy O/Townsquare Media
Tech's Tavia Rooney looks for a cutting Dani Urick at Kelvin Sampson Court. Photo: Tommy O/Townsquare Media
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Coach Woolley and the Bulldogs have won both meetings with the Diggs so far this season, the first 73-67 on December 3 in Dillon, and the second 78-71 on January 14th also in Dillon. Both of those contests were ‘resume’ type games for two of the best in the conference.

In that first meeting, Frontier Conference leading scorer Brynley Fitzgerald finished with 26 points and 8 rebounds for the Bulldogs. She was the only Western player to break into double digits, Joelnell Momberg and Jordan Sweeney both finished with 8.

That first meeting had some incredible momentum swings (to say the least). Tech led by 10 after 1, then Western then caught fire and outscored the Diggs 32-9 in the second quarter. A relatively ‘normal’ 3rd quarter led to a crazy final frame, as the Diggs came storming back outscoring the Dogs 21-10 in the 4th. Tech was led by Tavia Rooney, with (get this) 23 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals, and 3 blocks. Yea. McKayla Kloker knocked down 12 points, going 3-3 from downtown.

Montana Tech's Mikayla Kloker looks for Aubree Rademacher in the post Thursday night at Kelvin Sampson Court. Photo: Tommy O/Townsquare Media
Montana Tech's Mikayla Kloker looks for Aubree Rademacher in the post at Kelvin Sampson Court. Photo: Tommy O/Townsquare Media
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In the second matchup Brynley Fitzgerald, did what Brynley Fitgerald does, puts points on the board. By the end of 40 minutes, she put 31 points in the books for Western, she also penciled in 3 rebounds and 4 assists. Jordan Sweeney stepped up in the second game with 12 points, and 9 assists, and Mesa King finished in double digits with 10.

For Tech?

Tavia Rooney again as well. 24 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists. Dani Urick had a great game as well, finishing with 13 points, and 5 rebounds. Soda Rice ended with 7 points for the Diggs and just battled all game.

Picture courtesy of BnO Photography. BRIANNA OMARA
Picture courtesy of BnO Photography. BRIANNA OMARA
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Coming into this game Fitzgerald leads the conference in scoring, at 17 points a game, Tavia Rooney is 3rd at 14. Tavia leads the conference in rebounding at 8 boards a game, Fitzgerald is second at 7.
For my money, the two best players in the Frontier will be on the floor of the HPER Thursday night, 5pm for a Frontier battle. One that I feel is a must-win for both programs. For Western, a game back of Carroll, they can’t afford any more separation between they and the Saints. For Tech, you need to win big home conference games, and they need to get separation between them and Providence for 4th place.

Tech has 3 of the last 5.
Western has won 6 of the last 10, and 15 of the last 20.

Butte locations seen in the 1923 trailer

The Butte locations spotted in the new 1923 trailer

The Dutton Ranch (aka Chief Joseph Ranch)