Cowell's Career High Not Enough as NU Downs SOU
ASHLAND, Oregon - The SOU Raider men, laboring through six consecutive losses, came out assertive and with a purpose and built up a 10 point lead over the Northwest University Eagles in the first five minutes of the game.
It was due to a hot start from Matt Cowell, Sr. Grants Pass who scored a career high 36 points.
But, in the end the Northwest Eagles came from behind and then held off a final Raider charge to escape McNeal Pavilion with a hard fought 82-76 win over the Raiders.
With the win, Northwest improves to 7-6 for the season and 3-1 in Cascade Conference play. SOU falls to 4-10 overall and 0-4 in league play.
Brian McDermott said "we needed to make our shots, we executed much better tonight but we let Greg George have too many inside shots." George scored 24 points on 10-16 shooting to lead the Eagles. Most of the points came from in close, a place where SOU couldn't find. The Raiders missed numerous layups from in close by Josh McDermott who scored 10 points but shot 4-15 from the field.
SOU trailed by one at halftime 34-33, after leading by 10. In the second half Northwest continued to pound it down low and built up a 13 point lead. But the Raiders made a late charge the lead was whittled to just four points with a minute to play. But Northwest made free throws to seal the win late.
Eddie Coulson scored 20 points for Northwest and Patrick Mattson added 10. SOU was led by Matt Cowell who had a big night scoring a career high 36 on 12-26 shooting including 3 from downtown, and sinking 9-11 free throws.
In addition to Cowell's 36, SOU got 10 points from Trenton Fraser and Trevor McKay, who made his second start. SOU also saw the return of Kory Mahr from Grants Pass who has been sidelined by an ankle injury. Marh scored four points.
SOU plays next January 4-5, 2008 on the road against conference foes Concordia and Corban. The Raiders have a 14 day layoff before trying to stop its slide.