BUTTE, Mont. - Cain Atkinson made his debut at Black Hills State a memorable one.

The 6-foot guard from Evanston, Wyo., scored a game-high 21 points in the Yellow Jackets' 84-76 season-opening victory over Montana Tech during non-conference men's college basketball action Friday at the HPER Complex.

Atkinson was efficient, going 6-for-8 from the field, including 3-for-4 from three-point range, and 6-for-6 from the free-throw line.

Black Hills State opened up a 39-33 halftime lead. Montana Tech shot 54.9 percent from the field, compared to 50 percent by BHSU. However, the Yellow Jackets went 12-for-22 from downtown and outscored the Orediggers 36-12 from behind the line.

Sam Kim added 16 points on 5-of-7 shooting for the Jackets. Belle Fourche native Randy Herman hit four 3s and ended up with 12 points, while Forrest Dorr added 11 markers. Kim also had six assists and Herman grabbed five rebounds.

Casey Briggs had a double-double for Tech with 16 points and 11 boards. Dusan Veselinovic tallied a team-high 18 points, but he shot just 6 of 17. Jeramie Hopson added 17 points and Jake Williams 13.

The Montana squad was plagued by foul trouble late, with starters Briggs and Hopson fouling out, along with reserve Collin Fehr.

Montana Tech (0-2) hosts South Dakota School of Mines this evening.

BHSU (1-0) hosts Mt. Marty on Friday and Dakota Wesleyan on Saturday in a couple non-conference games.