AJ Monterossi surpassed 1500 career points on Friday in a tough defeat to EOU. (Photo Credit: Doug Pfeiler)
SALEM, Ore. – It was another heartbreaker against Eastern Oregon University for the Corban University men's basketball team, as this time on Friday evening, the Warriors had the chance to win it or tie it on multiple occasions, but the shots fell just short, resulting in the Mountaineers coming away with a 77-75 triumph. The victory gives EOU the season sweep of Corban.
"Tonight was a tough battle," said Corban head coach Austin Johnson. "I am very proud of our guys and the effort they displayed. We did some really great things and dug in for some key stops to give us a chance which is all I can ask for on an off-shooting night."
During the 2017-18 Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) campaign, Corban has now lost four separate times by three points or less, including both times to EOU during the current season.
After a missed free throw by EOU with 12 seconds remaining in regulation, Corban came down to the other end and attempted a three-pointer to win it, a layup to tie it, and then the Warriors were fouled and sent to the line. The free throw attempt fell short though with 0.4 seconds remaining, resulting in the tough two-point loss.
The Mountaineers (17-3, 9-3 CCC) shot very well from beyond the arc on the night, making 13 long-range efforts while shooting 61.9% from deep. Corban on the other hand went just 7-for-27 from downtown for a 25.9% shooting mark. Overall, EOU shot 46.9% from the floor and Corban shot 40.8% from the field.
"We struggled to defend the three and limit their second-chance opportunities," said Johnson, "and that is ultimately what did us in. Credit to EOU for their effort. We'll prepare for first-place College of Idaho."
Corban did get a great effort from its bench, as the Warriors totaled 30 points off the bench to just four points for the Mountaineer bench players, but EOU had four starters in double-digits with Max Mccullough going for 23 points and Jordan May totaling 22 points in the win. In addition, Austin Winegar and Cole Ashby tallied 25 points between the two in the victory.
The Warriors were led by Caleb Dozier with 15 points and 15 rebounds, while Jett Sobotta came off the bench to provide 14 points in the defeat. Corban's AJ Monterossi scored eight points in the defeat, helping him surpass the 1500 career-points plateau.
Corban (12-8, 6-6 CCC) returns to the court tomorrow night when it hosts No. 8-ranked College of Idaho. Tipoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. Eastern Oregon heads south to take on Northwest Christian University in Eugene on Saturday evening at 7:30 p.m.