via Oregon Tech Athletic Communications
GLENDALE, Ariz. – Gylan Payne posted a double-double, one of four Oregon Tech players in double-figures, as the Hustlin’ Owls battled No. 2-ranked Arizona Christian for 40 minutes, but the host Firestorm outlasted Tech, 77-63, inside the ACU Events Center.
In a game much closer than the final score indicated, the Firestorm (5-1), held Tech to one made field goal over the final 4:39 of the contest, ending the game on a 12-4 run.
ACU opened the game on a 12-3 run, capped by a Mikey DeHorney triple, but the Hustlin’ Owls (2-1) slowly got back into the contest. Payne drained a 3-pointer to start the rally, adding a put-back on a missed shot to get Tech within 20-18.
OIT kept the momentum, getting back-to-back triples from Dakota Reber and Jared Sucher to cap a 10-2 run, giving the Owls the lead at 31-28. The two teams would play to three late ties in the half, before the Firestorm claimed a 38-36 edge at the break.
The host tried to pull away midway through the second half, getting consecutive inside baskets from reserve post Kadyn Koch, part of a 7-0 ACU run that gave the Firestorm a 57-45 lead with 11 minutes remaining.
Tech had an answer, as Jackson Cooper converted two free throws and a lay-up, with Kaden Groenig canning a triple, pulling the Owls within 59-54. OIT trailed 65-59 after a Sucher lay-up with five minutes left – but were unable to get closer.
Sucher led OIT with 16 points, Cooper had 12 points, eight rebounds and seven assists and Colby Whicker came off the bench to tally 10. Payne ended the night with 11 points and 10 rebounds in his third career game.
Ese Onakpoma led all scorers with 22 points, with Shaud Bradley scoring 15. ACU forced 23 turnovers and won despite losing the rebound margin, 35-31.
The Owls return home for the next three games – starting Friday night in the final game of Day 1 of the Lithia Classic, hosting Hope International at 7:30 p.m.
