LA GRANDE, Ore. - Eastern Oregon University Men's basketball responded to yesterday's loss to Simpson University by defeating the Red Hawks, 83-77, on Saturday evening.
EOU's
Case Rada led the team with 29 points, eight rebounds, and five assists.
Bryan McGriff also contributed with 15 points and eight rebounds, while
Michael Crane had a double-double with 10 points and 15 rebounds.
Shaquille Jones led the Red Hawks with 21 points, two rebounds, and three assists. Dalton Thacker also contributed for the Red Hawks with 20 points and seven rebounds on the night.
The Mountaineers offense came out on fire Saturday night. After a Rada three pointer, EOU held an eight point lead, 15-7. However, Simpson continued to battle and came back to tie the game at 17-17 with 12:40 to go in the first half.
EOU extended their lead back to nine points, 26-17, after a three point play by Rada. The Mountaineers' lead continued to grow to as many as 15 points, 38-23, in the first half. The Red Hawks would not go away quietly, as they battled back to cut EOU's lead to one point, 44-43, at halftime.
The second half was a back and forth battle, as neither team took control. After EOU held a four point lead, 50-46, the Red Hawks answered back and took a one point lead, 51-50, by a pair of free throws from Jones.
The Mountaineers slowly started to take control of the game and with five minutes to go, EOU grew its lead to ten points, 70-60. Simpson continued to battle but the Mountaineers held off the Red Hawks. EOU won the game, 83-77.
The next Eastern Oregon home game will be held on Oct. 31 at 8 p.m., to kick off the Quinn Classic.