Paul Carollo leads the Mounties with a double-double 15 points and 12 rebounds.
LA GRANDE, Ore. - The Mountaineers (23-6 overall) got off to an early lead and held the lead throughout the entire contest; however the Raiders (9-21 overall) didn't make the victory easy for the Mountaineers. Eastern now advances to the semi-finals as they defeated Southern Oregon 83-67 tonight in Quinn Coliseum.
The Mountaineers got off to an early first half lead and held the lead throughout the entire first half. Eastern got up by as much as 12 points; however the Raiders didn't back down as they came back within 8 points before going into intermission 43-35. Southern shot 54 percent from the field, compared to Eastern's 50 percent.
The second half the Raiders didn't back down and with 15 minutes left in the contest, EOU's Kris Groce hit a three point basket to put the Mounties up 55-47; however the Raiders continued to answer back to the Mountaineers to get back within five points. EOU took their biggest lead of the half with 8 minutes left, 67-52. However, SOU picked up their defense and after a couple quick steals, they were right back within 6 points from the Mounties with only 5 minutes left in the contest; Eastern led 71-65. The Mountaineers went on a run the last 5 minutes of the contest to defeat the Raiders 83-67.
The Mountaineers had five players in double figures. Paul Carollo led the way for the Mounties with a double-double 15 points and 12 boards. Also in double figures for the Mounties was Jordan Gregg with 14 points, Kris Groce with 13 points, and Neil Fryer and Jeremy Templeton with 11 points apiece.
Eastern out-rebounded Southern 39-26 and shot an impressive 51 percent from the field compared to SOU's 48 percent. Eastern will now advance to the semi-final round of playoffs as they take on the No. 4th seed, The Evergreen State College. The game will take place here in Quinn Coliseum this Saturday, February 28th at 7:30 p.m. PST.
Tickets will be on-sale in Quinn Coliseum, room 126 or by contacting Sam Ghrist at (541) 962-3929 or sghrist@eou.edu.