SALEM, Ore. – Behind 28 points from Lavar Moore, Oregon Tech ran past the Corban University men's basketball team on Costume Night in the C.E. Jeffers Sports Center, 74-62. The win gives Oregon Tech the split with the Warriors on the season and one final win in Salem for Owls' legendary coach, Danny Miles.
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The Owls utilized efficient shooting all night long, going 27-for-56 on the night as a team for 48.2% from the field. In addition, the team made five three-pointers en route to playing solid defense against the Warriors, holding Corban to just a 40.6% shooting mark.
A three-pointer from Warrior junior guard Caleb Herzberg (Beaverton, Ore.) in the fourth minute of play extended Corban's NAIA-best streak to 963 straight games with a three-pointer made and gave Corban a 7-6 lead, but that would be the only lead the Warriors would have on the night. Oregon Tech responded immediately with a long-range effort of its own from Brandon Halter to retake the advantage, and from that point on, the Owls led the for the remainder of the game.
Corban cut it as close as one point at 20-19 after a pair of inside shots from Warrior senior forward Cyrus Ward (Gig Harbor, Wash.) fell for Corban, but Oregon Tech once again responded and extended its lead at the half to 39-27.
The second half was no different, as every time the Warriors tried to make a run, Moore and the Owls (21-8, 11-8 CCC) were there to maintain their advantage. Moore finished the night with a game-high 28 points on 11-for-20 shooting to go with a team-best four assists, while Joel Yellow Owl totaled 15 points for Oregon Tech.
Herzberg and Ward both finished the night with 15 points for Corban, while sophomore guard AJ Monterossi (Beaverton, Ore.) chipped in 14 points.
"Tonight we lacked the intensity level necessary to beat a team like OIT," said Corban head coach Steve Masten. "They out-worked us and made more hustle plays than we did. We'll have to correct that in a hurry, because we play a very good and nationally-ranked team in SOU tomorrow night."
Corban (15-12, 9-10 CCC) finishes up the regular season tomorrow night on Senior Night when it hosts Southern Oregon University. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
