LA GRANDE, Ore. – Oregon Tech assembled a 12-1 run during a three-minute stretch early in the second half to build a double-digit lead, and the Eastern Oregon University men’s basketball team never recovered, ultimately dropping a 78-71 decision on Friday night in Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) play.
Oregon Tech improved to 14-4 and 5-4 in CCC play, while the Navy and Gold dropped to 8-11 and 4-5 in league action.
KEY PERFORMANCES
Four EOU starters posted double figures on the night. Junior guard Kentrell Washington registered his 18th double-double with 17 points and 12 boards, while senior center Kalvin Johanson added 17 points and a season-high five blocks. In addition, senior guard Case Rada and junior wing Travis Meeker tallied 10 points apiece.
Derek Evans played big in the middle for Oregon Tech, recording 13 points and 15 rebounds, while Lavar Moore boasted game-high honors with 28 points and five assists.
THE STORYLINE
The first half saw five ties and eight lead changes, but it didn’t get interesting until six minutes into the frame. After EOU dug itself an eight-point (14-6) hole, a couple of buckets by Washington and a fast-break layup by Johanson started a 13-4 run to put the Mountaineers on top, 19-18, with 8:24 remaining.
After the two CCC foes traded baskets four times, the Owls kept their advantage until Meeker’s reverse lay in tied the affair at 31 apiece. Oregon Tech led at the break, 35-31.
Rada drilled a jumper from downtown to open the second half for EOU, but Oregon Tech responded with a 12-1 run, as Joel Yellow Owl ignited for six points to cap the burst and give the Owls a 47-35 lead with 15:48 on the clock.
The Mountaineers put together a run of their own, as consecutive three’s by Rada and sophomore guard Tate de Laveaga and four-straight points by Johanson cut the deficit to four (49-45), but the Owls once again responded and pushed their lead back to double figures with under 10 minutes left to play.
EOU suffered a six-minute drought without a field goal, and although the Mountaineers scored 10 points in the final 71 seconds, Oregon Tech celebrated a 78-71 triumph.
STATS OF THE GAME
18 – Washington now has 18 double-doubles on the season.
18 – Oregon Tech tallied 18 points off 15 EOU turnovers.
UP NEXT
EOU returns to the hardwood tomorrow against No. 12 Southern Oregon in La Grande. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.