via Oregon Tech Athletic Communications
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – Oregon Tech rode a first half defensive clinic to a 39-13 halftime lead, as the Lady Owls completed the first regular-season sweep of rival Southern Oregon since 2014, toppling the Raiders, 69-60, at Danny Miles Court.
Tatum Schmerbach scored 26 points and added 10 rebounds, as OIT (17-8, 13-4 CCC) won their eighth game in nine outings, converting 54% of their field goal attempts – the highest percentage by a SOU opponent this season.
Tech blitzed the Raiders (18-7, 13-4) from the tip, as Jozie Ramos scored the first seven points of the game and a Schmerbach triple gave the hosts a 12-2 lead. The onslaught continued, as an Olivia Sprague transition bucket extended the margin to 20-4.
The surge continued in the second quarter, as the Lady Owls held Southern without a made field goal for seven minutes, as Chelsea Ching capped a 13-1 run with a short runner and a long 3-pointer, giving OIT a 37-9 lead.
After making just 5-of-25 field goals and missing all eight of their 3-point attempts in the first half, the Raiders made a surge in the second half – but the deficit was too large. SOU made five of their eight 3-pointers in the third quarter, as Eliza DiGiulio pulled the visitor within 51-37 late in the period – but Tech had an answer, as Schmerbach converted inside and the Owls did enough in the final 10 minutes to claim the win.
Schmerbach made 10-of-17 field goals in the win – her third-straight 20-or-more point game. Ramos had 15 points and eight rebounds, with Sprague scoring 12, adding five assists and six steals.
Bridgette McIntyre scored all 16 of her team-leading points for SOU in the second half.
OIT closes out the home schedule on Friday, hosting Warner Pacific at 5:30 p.m.
