Cavs topple Tech for second straight win against ranked opponent

12/6/2014 10:53:00 PM

PORTLAND, Ore. – In a tense, pressure-packed game at Cavalier Gymnasium, free throws and strong defense late were the difference as Concordia University notched its second upset of a ranked team in as many days with a 58-55 win over No. 25 Oregon Tech Saturday night.

Concordia (7-1, 2-0 Cascade Collegiate Conference) came roaring out of the gate with four early 3-pointers, pushing the lead to as much as 10 at 14-4 just four minutes into the contest.

Oregon Tech (11-2, 1-1 CCC) didn't waver, though, fighting back to a 19-19 tie and taking the lead at 25-24 on a Tess Armstrong jumper with four minutes left in the half. Concordia scored the final seven points, including a buzzer-beating fastbreak layup by Briannah Smith (San Francisco, Calif./Sacred Heart Cathedral), to take a 31-27 lead into the break.

OIT took the lead briefly at the start of the second period, only to watch the Cavs go on an 8-0 run to take control. The Owls whittled away at the lead over the next several minutes as both teams struggled to make shots, but trimmed the margin to 48-46 before Campbell's third 3-pointer put Concordia up five with three and a half minutes to play. Once again, though, the Owls battled back, tying the game at 53 mere moments later thanks to a 3-point answer from Ashleigh Vandenbrink.

Concordia wouldn't hit a shot the rest of the way but sealed the win on five free throws and relying on a defense that denied OIT solid looks in the final two minutes. The Owls only scored once in that span, a layup by Vandenbrink with two seconds remaining.

Smith filled up the box score with 14 points, eight rebounds, five assists and three steals while playing a team-high 39 minutes. Lexi Campbell (Brentwood, Calif./Heritage H.S.) and Sierra Dean (Tacoma, Wash./Curtis H.S.) joined Smith in double figures with 16 and 13 points, respectively. The trio of guards combined to hit seven of Concordia's eight 3-pointers on the night.

Armstrong and Karly LeVeque each had 12 points for the Owls, with LeVeque also contributing five steals and four assists. Megan Whetstone was the only other player in double figures for OIT with 10.

For the game, Concordia held slight advantages in shooting percentage (35.8 percent to 35.5), rebounds (40-39) and assists (14-13).

Oregon Tech next plays at New Hope Christian in Eugene at 6 p.m. on Dec. 13. Concordia meets Central Washington at 7 p.m. on Dec. 13 in Ellensburg, Wash.