Two big throws, two catches by two former Cut Bank stars, and the Montana State University-Northern Lights are back in the win column. The Lights got a 4-yard touchdown pass from Derek Lear to Cut Bank senior Matt Stuart in overtime to beat the still winless UM-Western Bulldogs 36-33 Saturday at Blue Pony Stadium. Northern needed the six points to end the game as Western had already kicked a field goal on its first OT possession.

With the win, the Lights improved to 2-4 on the season and 2-4 in conference play. Lear threw two TD passes to Cut Bank's Orin Johnson, including a 28-yarder on fourth down with just 1:02 left in regulation. That play put the Lights ahead 30-23 before Western tied the game in the final seconds. In all, Lear threw four TD's and Kyle Kercher kicked three field goals in the win.

"We were down a couple of times today," Lear said. "So this shows us we can overcome some adversity. Everyone, offense, defense and special teams stepped up today, and we were able to come back when we needed to. This was a great team effort and win."

MSU-N travels to Montana Tech next Saturday.

For complete coverage, see Monday's Havre Daily News.