via Oregon Tech Athletic Communications
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – Oregon Tech scored the first 11 points of the contest, with Dakota Reber leading the way with 25 points and 12 rebounds, as the Hustlin’ Owls claimed a season-series win over rival Southern Oregon with an 84-71 victory at Danny Miles Court.
OIT (18-7, 13-4 CCC) pulled within a half game of first-place Lewis-Clark State and Eastern Oregon after the win, making 52% of their field goals on the night and holding a 42-26 rebound advantage.
The Owls started quickly, as consecutive 3-pointers from Jared Sucher, Reber and Grant Tull gave the hosts the 11-0 lead, with back-to-back Jackson Cooper lay-ups extending the margin to 23-6. Tull capped the half with a long 3-ball, as OIT claimed a 42-23 edge at the break.
Cooper gave the Hustlin’ Owls their largest lead of the night at 49-26 with a 3-point play early in the second half, with Tech keeping the lead between 13-and-23 the rest of the night.
OIT held the Raiders (15-10, 12-5) to 39% shooting on the night, with SOU able to hang around thanks to 12 made 3-pointers. Elijah Jackson hit five triples, part of a game-high 26 points, with Gio Evanson scoring 20.
Reber was efficient, making 7-of-9 field goals – including three 3’s – and converted all eight of his free throws. Cooper narrowly missed a triple double, scoring 22 points, adding nine rebounds and eight assists. Tull had 13 points and Owen Nathan scored eight points, all in the second half, adding four assists and four steals.
The Owls close out the home portion of the regular-season on Friday, hosting Warner Pacific at 7:30 p.m.
