KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – Facing off with one of the NAIA's top squads on Saturday evening, the Corban University men's basketball team hung tough with No. 5-ranked Oregon Tech. In the end, the high-powered Owls were able to withstand the Warriors' upset bid, earning a 99-88 victory.

"We showed great heart and toughness tonight against one of the best teams in the country," said head coach Mitch Freeman. "We need to build on the things we learned from both games this weekend. I told the guys after the game that I love them and that I'm proud to coach them day in and day out. We will continue to work hard to get better."

Oregon Tech, the 2019 NAIA National Runner-Up, shot at a blistering 63.6% from the field and even 50% from three in the first half. Unfazed, the Navy and Gold matched the Owls' frantic pace, remaining within striking distance at the intermission.

Unfortunately for the Navy and Gold, 18 second-half points from Mitchell Fink—the defending Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) Player of the Year—helped the Owls endure Corban's attempts to mount a comeback.

In addition to his 25 total points, Fink became Oregon Tech's all-time leader in assists on Saturday, dishing out eight in total. His teammate Harrison Steiger matched his effort with 25 points of his own, while Seth Erickson put up 18.

For the Warriors, Jason Smarr had a career night in the loss, registering a season-best 23 points (9-of-18 FG) to lead the Navy and Gold. Twelve of his 23 came from downtown, as the senior guard sank 4-of-7 of his three-pointers.

For the third time in his past four games, AJ Hodges broke the 20-point plateau, ending Saturday evening's contest with 21 points (9-of-14 FG, 3-of-5 3PT) and six assists.

Corban shot 45.9% from the floor and 37.5% from beyond the arc as a team, but couldn't quite match the hot-handed Owls' impressive marks (59.7% FG, 47.1% 3PT).

The Warriors (9-12, 3-8 CCC) will take to the road again next weekend, beginning the back half of conference play with a series against The Evergreen State College (Friday) and Northwest University (Saturday). Tip-off for both battles is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.