Midland Empire Insurance Tournament MVP Kyle Gomez hit for 17 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead the Owls past Holy Names. (photo by Kelly Caleb)
Oregon Tech Tops Holy Names to Win Midland Empire Insurance Classic
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – After trailing by five at the midway point of the first half, fourth-ranked Oregon Tech took control to defeat Cal Pac member Holy Names University 77-59 in what turned out to be the championship game of the Midland Empire Insurance Classic.
Oregon Tech, the only undefeated team in tournament action, moves to 6-1 overall with the victory. The Owls next travel to Ashland to take part of the Southern Oregon Classic beginning with Simpson University on Friday and New Hope Christian Saturday with both games beginning at 3:30 PM.
Holy Names finished 1-1 in tournament action as is now 4-3 overall on the year.
After leading 34-24 at the intermission, HNU would cut their deficit to seven points early in the second period, however, the Owls would answer with an 8-0 run to take a 15 point lead. Oregon Tech would secure their first 20 point cushion, 63-43, at the 8:22 mark and go up by as many as 25 before settling for the 77-59 win.
For Oregon Tech, Kyle Gomez and Bobby Hunter scored game-high honors with 17 points each and combined for 14 rebounds. Tournament MVP honors went to Kyle Gomez, while Hunter was an all-tournament selection. Jason Gamblin added 10 points, while David Clarke, the third all-tournament selection for the Owls, finished with eight points in tonight’s win.
David Scott led Holy Names with 13 points, while Fabian Lopez added nine points and Karlos Crier eight in the loss. Scott and Mike McElroy were all-tournament selections for the Hawks.