Montana Tech edges Dakota State 76-72 for Frontier Conference women's basketball title

BUTTE, Mont. — Second seed Montana Tech erased a 19-point first-quarter deficit and rode a late-game surge from Brooke Badovinac to a 76-72 victory over top-seed Dakota State (S.D.) in the Frontier Conference women’s basketball championship game Monday at Butte Civic Center.

Dakota State controlled the opening 10 minutes, building a 31-17 lead after the first quarter behind hot perimeter shooting and a deep bench that would finish with 22 points. Montana Tech gradually steadied itself, trimming the deficit in the second quarter to trail 46-39 at halftime, then continuing the charge in the third.

The Orediggers outscored the Trojans 22-15 in the second quarter and 19-15 in the third, finally taking a 57-56 lead on a jumper by Kylie Konen with 2:54 left in the third.

Dakota State regrouped to carry a 61-58 advantage into the fourth quarter, but Montana Tech’s defense and rebounding swung the game late. The Orediggers limited the Trojans to just 11 points in the final quarter and leaned on their inside presence and free-throw shooting to stay within one possession.

Montana Tech finished 27-of-61 from the field (44.3 percent) and 19-of-24 at the free-throw line, while holding Dakota State to 35.9 percent shooting overall and 23.7 percent (9 of 38) from 3-point range.

Badovinac delivered the decisive blows in the final seconds. With Montana Tech trailing 72-70, she drilled a go-ahead 3-pointer with 13 seconds remaining to give the Orediggers a 73-72 lead. After a defensive stop, Badovinac returned to the line with three seconds to play and calmly sank two free throws to push the margin to 76-72 and effectively seal the championship.

Badovinac finished with 21 points, 10 rebounds and three steals in 34 minutes, hitting two 3-pointers and providing the closing surge Montana Tech needed. She had help in the frontcourt from Liv Wangerin, who totaled 16 points and nine rebounds, including five on the offensive glass, and went 6 of 6 at the free-throw line in 36 minutes. Forward Halle Haber added 15 points on 7-of-13 shooting and eight rebounds as Montana Tech won the battle in the paint and on the glass, grabbing 44 rebounds to Dakota State’s 46 but converting second-chance opportunities more efficiently.

Dakota State’s offense was led by Cierra Watkins, who posted a game-high 22 points and 14 rebounds with three 3-pointers and two blocks in 30 minutes. Bria Wasmund added 15 points and seven rebounds in 28 minutes, while the Trojans’ outside shooting and depth powered their early run. However, 16 turnovers and a 17-for-27 performance at the free-throw line (63.0 percent) undercut their chances to protect the lead down the stretch.

Montana Tech’s ability to withstand the early 31-17 deficit, close the gap by halftime and then execute in the final minutes delivered the Orediggers the Frontier Conference postseason tournament title.

Both teams already secured the automatic bid to the NAIA National Tournament next weekend. Dakota State has been selected to be one of the host sites for the First and Second Round, while Montana Tech will be playing away from home.

The NAIA Women's Basketball Selection Show is set for Thursday evening at 7 p.m. (Central Time)/6 p.m. (Mountain Time) via NAIA's YouTube.