Lights aim to keep striking

Could the Montana State University-Northern Lights be ready to go on a tear? They certainly think so.

After losing close game after close for much of last week, the Lights finished off their first road trip with a blowout win at Montana Western Sunday afternoon in Dillon. And now the Lights hope that win propels them to even more success. And they'll get a chance to find out this weekend when Northern hosts fast-rising Montana Tech Saturday and Sunday in the Armory Gymnasium.

"I was extremely proud of the jump we made," MSU-N head coach Shawn Huse said. "We know it's going to take time with this new group as we gain experience together moving through league play. That said, we were in an 0-3 hole, needed to get out of it, and the guys showed a great deal of character in doing so. This was the best we have played in terms of everyone learning something from the past three games, making adjustments, and applying them. The guys showed tremendous focus from the moment last night's game ended until the final buzzer sounded tonight. I really like the potential of this team. We know we still have a ways to go but are confident we can get there."

The Lights hope to continue that trend, and leading the way is seniors Mascio McCadney and David Harris, who both average 18 points per game, which is second in the Frontier. Newcomer Jomel Boyd has been huge for the Lights in the interior, while many other players have stepped up in their new roles.

Of course, every night in the Frontier is tough, and this weekend will be no different, especially considering how well the Orediggers (5-2, 5-4) are playing. Tech comes to Havre after sweeping Rocky last weekend, and coach Adam Hiatt is bringing a ton of firepower with him.

The Diggers have the Frontier's leading scorer in Sindou Diallo, who averages 20 points per game, while Derrius Collins and Markieth Brown Jr., along with Drew Huse, give Tech a balanced and exciting backcourt. Superstar senior Taylor England is as good as it gets in the post, too, but he's played in just three games this season due to injury.

Still, even without England in the lineup, Tech has been razor sharp this season, and the Diggers certainly aren't a Frontier cellar-dwellar any longer.

"They are certainly showing to be a strong team," Huse said of his alma mater. "We have to be well prepared for their inside game, outside game, and ability to score in transition. On the other end of the floor they play very hard on defense. We will need to work very well together to get our own opportunities and convert on them."

The Lights will get that chance when they take on the Orediggers Saturday night at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 4 p.m. in the Armory Gymnasium. Northern will remain home to host nationally ranked Providence next Wednesday night.