BILLINGS, Mont., February 22, 2019 – Rocky Mountain College narrowly escaped a Montana Tech comeback with a thrilling 84-80 victory in overtime.

The Battlin' Bears (19-10, 10-7 FC) led by 14 points (45-31) but were out-scored 43-29 in the second period. With 29 seconds left, Montana Tech's (16-14, 6-12 FC) Taylor England split a pair of free throws to send the game into overtime at 74-74.

Down by 1 with 1:20 left in overtime, Rocky's Clayton Ladine sank a three pointer to put the Battlin' Bears up 82-80. That proved the final blow for the Orediggers who wouldn't score again.

The pair of Craig Wilmore and Clayton Ladine scored 20 points apiece for the Battlin' Bears. Jared Samuelson contributed an additional 15 points while Brandon The Boy added 12.

The Battlin' Bears shot 48.5 percent from the field and went 12-of-34 from beyond the arc.

Montana Tech held a 35-27 advantage in boards. Rocky held a 14-9 advantage in steals.

The Battlin' Bears had trouble containing Taylor England who scored 22 points and 17 rebounds for his eighth double double of the season. 

Rocky Mountain College will next travel to Helena, Mont. to play the Carroll College Fighting Saints in their final game of the regular season. The game will begin at 7:30 p.m.