BUTTE, Mont. (Interstat) — A surging Montana Tech squad will look to protect its home floor against an in-state NAIA rival when it hosts Montana State-Northern in a men’s basketball matchup on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026.

The Orediggers (11-3) have won three straight games, most recently a commanding 77-57 road victory at Dickinson State on Jan. 3. Their balanced attack is led by forward Hayden Diekhans, who nearly posted a triple-double in that win with 10 rebounds, five assists and seven points. Over his last three games, Diekhans is averaging 11.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists, providing versatile production.

They face a Bulldogs team (7-5) arriving with momentum after a thrilling 110-100 double-overtime road win at Mayville State last Saturday. Montana State-Northern was powered by a trio of 20-point scorers in that marathon contest: Cinque Maxwell (22 points, six rebounds), Leon Sayers IV (22 points) and Luke Holecek (21 points).

Maxwell, a key player to watch for the Bulldogs, is averaging 13.7 points over his last three outings, including a 22-point performance in the double-overtime triumph. The Bulldogs have shown offensive firepower, scoring 110 and 82 points in their two January victories.

Montana Tech has demonstrated defensive strength during its win streak, holding opponents to an average of 63.3 points per game. The Orediggers will aim to contain a Northern offense that has found its rhythm early in the new year.

This contest marks the first of two regular-season meetings between the Frontier Conference foes. The rematch is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 20, in Havre.

The game will be a test of Montana Tech’s stout defense against Montana State-Northern’s recent offensive surge. A win would solidify the Orediggers’ strong start, while the Bulldogs seek a statement road victory to climb above .500 in conference play.