HELENA, Mont. – The last time the Carroll College men's basketball team faced Montana Tech, the Saints fell to the Orediggers 80-57. Since that time however, the Saints have won four of five games, including the last three and Montana Tech has lost five straight.

Carroll and Montana Tech meet for the second time this season Thursday at the PE Center and the Saints hope to keep the ball rolling against the Diggers.

The surging Saints (17-8, 6-5 Frontier Conference) can thank the improved play of the freshmen led by Oliver Carr, who averaged 17 points per game in Carroll's last four wins.

Along with the wins, Carroll's national profile has seen a boost. The Saints received votes in the NAIA poll for the first time this season. Carroll was picked to finish last in the conference, but sit in a tie for third place in the Frontier with the University of Great Falls.

Montana Tech (13-11, 4-6 FC) was 4-1 in conference and receiving votes in the NAIA poll before their struggles over the past five games.

The Diggers are led by Adam Greger who averages a Frontier Conference-high 18.79 points per game.

Carroll is led by the conference's second-leading scorer, Zach Taylor, who averages 18.76 PPG.

The Saints look forward to the opportunity to give a better showing against the Orediggers this time around.

"We're excited about the opportunity to execute more effectively this time around versus Montana Tech," head coach Carson Cunninghum said. "Tech is a strong team with a lot of experienced players. It's going to take a mighty effort to pull it out. Our guys have had a strong week of practice which we hope will translate into a sharp effort."

The Saints and Diggers tip off at 7: 30 p.m. Carroll Athletics will hand out 500 rally towels at the game and the first 50 students that are in attendance will receive a free pretzel. Fans are encouraged to wear Purple to support the Saints and bring awareness to Relay for Life.