Hustlin' Owls Down Simpson in Season Opener
ASHLAND Ore.-- Joel Yellow Owl posted 21 points and 10 rebounds in his Oregon Tech (1-0) debut, leading the Owls to a season-opening 87-73 victory over Simpson (1-2) on Saturday afternoon in day one of the Flagship Inn Classic at Riehm Arena.
In the first half the game was tied 4 times with 12 different lead changes. Tech got down by as much as 5 points before junior transfer Brandon Halter came off the bench sparking the Owls to an 11-3 run, as he made three long range 3 point shots leading the Owls to a 40-38 halftime lead. Tech shot 48% from the floor in the half with Simpson shooting at a 52% pace.
In the second half, it was senior Lavar Moore getting heated up, going 6 for 9 including three of ten from long range as he finished with 19 points. Yellow Owl went 8-17 including 5-7 from the free throw line finishing with a game high 21 points and pacing the Owls with 10 rebounds. Senior Austen Flint had 12 points and finished with seven assists and zero turnovers.
For the game, Simpson held its largest lead at 5 points with 14:05 to play in the first half, Oregon Tech’s largest lead was 17 and that came at the 11:11 mark in the second half. Tech had 22 assists committing only 7 turnovers for the game. Tech’s strong defense caused Simpson to turn the ball over 14 times with 16 assists. OIT also won the battle of the boards with a 39-29 edge including a 15-8 advantage in offensive boards.
The Owls will play New Hope Christian tomorrow at 12:00 Noon in Ashland with Simpson taking on host Southern Oregon University at 2:00 pm.