via Oregon Tech Athletic Communications
ASHLAND, Ore. – Jozie Ramos scored all 14 of her points in the second half, including the go-ahead lay-up with four minutes remaining, as Oregon Tech hung on for a 50-47 victory at Southern Oregon inside Lithia Motors Pavilion.
The Lady Owls (10-7, 6-3 CCC) snapped a 2-game losing streak with the supreme defensive effort – holding the defending Cascade Conference champs to 27% shooting on the night, as SOU was limited to a season-low point total.
The combined 97 points scored in the game were the fewest in the 86 previous meetings between the teams, with the 47 points scored by SOU (11-6, 6-3) equaling their lowest total vs. OIT.
Southern grabbed a 45-44 lead on a fourth quarter steal and basket from Keeley Wright, but Kendall Fealey found Ramos for the lay-up to give Tech the lead. Fealey followed by picking the pocket of Raiders all-star guard Bridgette McIntyre and converting the breakaway lay-up and Ramos beat the shot clock with an 18-foot jumper, giving the visitors a 50-45 lead with just over two minutes left.
The hosts cut the deficit to three on a Lydia Traore put-back, but McIntyre failed on a pair of game-tying 3-point attempts – secure the road win for the Owls.
The OIT defense was the story, as the Lady Owls forced 12 missed SOU shots to open the game – at one point limiting the Raiders to 4-of-28 shooting. Southern hung around thanks to 14 steals which were converted into 19 points – but could not overcome their offensive woes.
Tatum Schmerbach had a double-double in the win, scoring 11 points, adding 13 rebounds, six assists and three blocks, while Olivia Sprague scored 11 of her 13 points in the first half, as OIT built a 22-19 halftime advantage. The Owls finished 22-of-55 from the field, while recording a 44-35 rebound edge.
Wright and McIntyre each scored 13 for the Raiders.
Tech hits the road Saturday, closing out the first half of the CCC season at Warner Pacific.
