OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Evergreen State College snapped a 13-game losing streak on Saturday evening, downing the Corban University men's basketball team, 80-77. The win gives the Geoducks the season split with the Warriors.
"Another tough one tonight as we had opportunities to close out a game on the road," said Corban head coach Austin Johnson. "Credit to Evergreen as they played very well and executed late."
Corban got off to a good start in the contest, as Jake Love was firing shots from downtown that found the bottom of the net, and Joel Johnson was efficient inside, giving the Warriors the early lead. Corban led 30-25 midway through the first 20 minutes, but then Evergreen closed the first half on a 19-7 run to take a 44-37 lead into the locker rooms.
In the second half, the teams went back and forth, but then the Warriors went on a big run to take the advantage. After Chris Martin drained a long-range effort and then Joel Johnson threw down a dunk, the Warriors led, 65-58.
Resilient, however, the Geoducks stormed back and retook the lead late, but on a three-point effort with 28 seconds left in regulation, Andrew Evans was fouled, sending him to the free-throw line. Evans was clutch, sinking all three from the charity stripe to give Corban the one-point advantage.
Evergreen drove on its next possession, however, and after being fouled, made both shots. The Warriors, trailing by one point were unable to convert the next time down the floor and ultimately after the Geoducks made two more free throws, Corban's half-court heave missed, resulting in the tough three-point defeat.
Johnson had a solid all-around game with 17 points, seven boards, three blocks and two steals, while Love tallied 16 points and six rebounds for the Warriors with a quartet of three-pointers made.
Corban shot 45.0% from the field compared to just a 41.7% mark for the Geoducks, but Evergreen made more shots at the charity stripe, going 23-of-28, while the Warriors were just 13-of-21 from the line.
Corban (14-12, 7-9 CCC) returns to the hardwood next weekend for its last two home games of the 2016-17 campaign. On Friday, the Warriors host Warner Pacific College, and then on Saturday, Corban hosts Multnomah University on Senior Night. Tipoffs are set for 7:30 p.m. both nights.
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