EUGENE, Ore. – Freshman Eric Thompson made his final case in his bid for Cascade Collegiate Conference Player of the Year honors on Saturday, running up 34 points on Northwest Christian in an 83-72 overtime victory. He scored twelve of SOU’s 20 points in the extra period.
Northwest Christian shot 55% in the first half and built a 37-26 lead at the intermission. The second half, however was all SOU as they shot 57% and force the game into overtime. In the extra period the Raiders went 13-for-15 at the free-throw line to seal a victory and seal NCU’s fate in their fight for a post-season berth.
Thompson, who had just six first-half points after two early three-pointers, finished the night shooting 9-for-16 from the field including a 5-for-7 mark from three point range. He was also 11-for-12 from the charity stripe, leading an SOU effort that shot 82% at the line. Jordan Highland added 18 points for the Raiders, along with four assists. Terriel Thomas played 25 minutes off the bench and led Southern Oregon with seven rebounds.
Northwest Christian (11-19, 4-14 CCC) had four players in double-figures, led by Brody McGowan who scored 17 off 7-for-10 shooting. He also led the team with five rebounds as NCU was out-glassed 44-28. Trevor Parker and Jordan Buhler scored 15 points each and Brian Hampton finished off his career with 13 points. Mitch Wilson led all players with five assists in the game.
Southern Oregon (17-12, 10-8) advances to the CCC tournament as the 6th seed and will travel to face third-seeded Warner Pacific College on Wednesday. NCU ends the season in ninth place in the conference.