OIT Stops Warner Pacific, Claims CCC Title
PORTLAND, Ore. – Justin Parnell hit two free throws with 8 seconds remaining to give #2 Oregon Tech a 75-73 win over #20 Warner Pacific tonight at a standing room only C.C. Perry Gym.
The victory for the Owls pushed them one game ahead of Eastern Oregon to claim sole possession of the CCC regular season title.
WP held a slight advantage for most of the first period as Jake Glisson carried the load offensively for the Knights. The senior dropped in 11 points in the half, helped out by Reggie Guyton with 9. Guyton gave the home team a boost going into the break, taking a fast break feed from Jared Mace and laying it home as time expired. The bucket gave the Knights a 43-34 lead.
The visiting Owls fought back quickly in the second period, starting with a 10-1 run to open the half to tie the game. The rest of the game was a classic, as the lead changed hands 11 times down the stretch.
Glisson drilled a clutch three pointer at the 2:08 mark to give Warner Pacific a 73-69 lead, but the Knights would not score again as OIT finished with six straight points, including Parnell’s game winning free throws. Guyton had a clean look for WP from 21 feet at the buzzer, but his three pointer hit back iron and the Owls celebrated the victory.
Poor free throw shooting plagued Warner Pacific, hitting just 5 of 14 tries. Oregon Tech won the battle of the boards by a 46 to 35 margin, which included 23 offensive rebounds.
Glisson finished with 21 points lead the Knights. Jared Mace added 10 points and 6 rebounds.
Parnell was the top scorer for OIT, tallying 21. Andy Siverly had 17 points, and grabbed 14 rebounds.
Warner Pacific falls to 20-8 overall and 12-6 in CCC action. Oregon Tech improves to 26-4 overall and a league best 14-4 in the CCC.
WP seniors Jared Mace, Reggie Guyton, Kaylone Riley, Jake Glisson, and Tom Higgins were honored before the game.
The Knights secured the #3 seed for the CCC Tournament, and will host Northwest Christian next Wednesday in a first round game. Tip-off will be at 7:30 pm.