(Editor's note: University of Providence media releases)
GREAT FALLS -- The University of Providence men's and women's basketball teams swept visiting Montana Tech on Sunday. The UP men held off a late Tech surge for an 84-78 win, while the UP women cruised to a 77-53 victory.
Providence men 84, Montana Tech 78
The No. 10 University of Providence men's basketball team withstood a late charge from Montana Tech, defeating the Orediggers 84-78 Sunday afternoon.
Up 72-70 with 4:37 left, Marcus Stephens scored five straight points to extend the lead to seven. The Orediggers made a couple of buckets late, but the Argos made late free throws to secure the victory.
"We knew it was going to be tough, but we found a way to win," UP head coach Steve Keller said. "We fought through a little adversity there at the end. I'm real proud of them because that's a good basketball team we just swept here at home."
Rashee Stocks continued his recent hot streak, leading the Argos (10-1 overall, 10-1 Frontier Conference) with 18 points and six rebounds. Stephens chipped in 16 points, three rebounds and three assists for the Argos, while Davien Harris-Williams added 11 points. Zaccheus Darko-Kelly finished with 13 points, eight rebounds, five assists and three blocks.
"Rashee was crucial for us winning these games," Keller said. "We have good depth. We're still learning to play with one another. We have a lot of guys that can make things happen."
The Orediggers (9-9, 9-7) were led by Sindou Diallo's 18 points, four assists and three rebounds. Derrius Collins scored 17 points, while Taylor England recorded a double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds. Markeith Brown Jr. added 13 points and three rebounds.
"We found a way," Keller said. "It wasn't pretty but we found a way to get it done."
The Argos will next take the court on Wednesday against Montana State-Northern at 7 p.m.
Providence women 77, Montana Tech 53
The University of Providence women's basketball team cruised to a victory Sunday afternoon, defeating Montana Tech 77-53.
Emilee Maldonado led the way for the Argos, recording 23 points, six assists and four rebounds. Maddy Dixon notched a double-double with 16 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks. Parker Esary added 13 points and six rebounds before leaving the game in the second quarter with an ankle injury.
"We have a good group of girls," UP head coach Bill Himmelberg said. "I thought they responded very well (Sunday). It's always interesting to see how you're going to respond when Parker Esary went down. My heart sinks when that happens."
The Argos raced out to a lead in the first and extended the lead to 35-17. They never looked back, emptying their bench early in the fourth quarter.
Himmelberg was pleased to see how his team responded without Esary on the floor.
"You never want your All-American to go down, but I was pleased how everyone else just stepped up," Himmelberg said. "We'll just continue to go and continue to get better. We had a quicker lineup when she wasn't in there. It allows us to do some different things. Everyone stepped up and increased their level."
Mollie Peoples led the Orediggers with 19 points and three assists. Dani Urick chipped in 13 points.
The Argos (6-4 overall, 6-4 Frontier Conference) will have a quick turnaround, facing Montana State-Northern on Wednesday at 5 p.m.
