February 14, 2026
BUTTE, Mont. – Dakota State (S.D.) built an early advantage, but a dominant fourth quarter by Montana Tech proved decisive as the Orediggers pulled away for a 78-68 Frontier Conference women's basketball victory Saturday evening at Kelvin Sampson Court at Valley Bank Arena. MT outscored DSU 30-18 in the fourth quarter to pull away the victory in the NAIA's Top 25 battle.
The teams split their two Frontier Conference meetings this season. Dakota State, ranked No. 6 in the national poll, saw their 10-game winning streak came to an end and fell to 22-4 overall record and 17-3 record in the league. Montana Tech, ranked No. 17 in the national poll, lifted their overall record to 20-4 and 16-4 Frontier Conference record.
How it happened
The Trojans came out sharp, shooting 47.4 percent (9-of-19 field goals) in the opening quarter and knocking down three triples to take a 22-13 lead after one.
Ella Carstensen buried a late three and
Tabor Teel added a layup in the final seconds to cap the strong start. MT was held to 35.3 percent from the field (6-of-17 field goals) in the first ten minutes.
Montana Tech responded in the second quarter, behind Hadley Humpherys (6 points in the quarter) and Olivia Nelson (7 points). The Orediggers outscored DSU 17-9 in the period, cutting the Trojan lead to 31-30 at halftime.
Dakota State and Montana Tech battled back and forth in the third quarter, exchanging leads.
Bria Wasmund converted a three-point play with five seconds left to give Dakota State a 50-48 edge heading into the fourth period.
The Orediggers seized control in the final period. After Carstensen and Teel hit key threes to keep DSU within striking distance, the Orediggers answered with a 16-5 run midway through the quarter. Avery Carlson's three-pointer and consecutive baskets from Brooke Badovinac, followed by a pair of free-throws by Liv Wangerin put MT up 72-62 with 1:40 remaining.
The Orediggers outscored Dakota State 30-18 in the fourth quarter, shooting 52.9 percent in the period (9-of-17 field goals) and getting to the free-throw line late (10-of-13 free throws) to secure the 10-point win. DSU was held to 6-of-20 from the field (30 percent) and 3-of-4 at the free throw line in the final quarter.
Montana Tech held a 42-30 advantage in points in the paint and shot 47.7 percent overall (31-of-65 field goals), compared to 34.7 percent (25-of-72 field goals) for Dakota State.
The game featured 11 lead changes and six ties.
Dakota State Individual Leaders
Dakota State finished 25-of-72 (34.7 percent) from the field and 10-of-31 (32.3 percent) from three. The Trojans went 8-of-11 (72.7 percent) at the free-throw line.
Montana Tech Individual Leaders
- Hadley Humpherys – 23 points (11-19 field goals), 7 rebounds
- Halle Haber – 15 points, 4 rebounds
- Liv Wangerin – 12 points, 6 rebounds
- Brooke Badovinac – 11 points, 7 rebounds
- Olivia Nielson – 9 points off the bench
Montana Tech shot 31-of-65 (47.7 percent) from the field and 14-of-18 (77.8 percent) at the line.
Team Statistics
| Category |
Dakota State |
Montana Tech |
| FG |
25-72 (34.7%) |
31-65 (47.7%) |
| 3PT |
10-31 (32.3%) |
2-7 (28.6%) |
| FT |
8-11 (72.7%) |
14-18 (77.8%) |
| Rebounds |
40 |
43 |
| Assists |
11 |
14 |
| Turnovers |
10 |
11 |
| Points in Paint |
30 |
42 |
| Bench Points |
14 |
14 |
Ties: 6
Lead Changes: 11
Up Next
Dakota State looks to close in to their Frontier Conference regular season title at home next weekend, hosting Dickinson State (N.D.) Friday evening. Construction/Neon theme and Military Appreciation Night will be held. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m. at DSU Fieldhouse.
The Trojans host Bismarck State (N.D.) in the final regular season contest next Saturday evening. Seniors will be honored after the conclusion of the game. The game is set for 5 p.m. tip-off.
