SALEM, Ore. – In almost exact repeat fashion from their first contest in Klamath Falls, the Corban University Men's Basketball team almost overcame a 24-point deficit against the No. 16-ranked Oregon Tech Owls, as the home team once again fell behind on their own court before attempting a wild comeback attempt. However, OIT was able to stave off the Warriors second half comeback bid in a 79-74 road win to sweep Corban for the first time since the 2019-20 season.
"I'm really proud of the way our guys competed in the second half," Corban head coach Taylor Kelly shared. "Unfortunately, we didn't have a great first half of play. Jay and Collin played tremendous in the second half for us. We need to bounce back tomorrow against a tough Southern Oregon team tomorrow night."
In the Warriors (15-9, 12-7) and Owls (21-4, 16-3) first conference game back in southern Oregon, Corban was able to build a 22-point lead before Oregon Tech came roaring back to steal a win back on their home court. Tonight was no different than their original matchup, as OIT jumped out to a 21-point lead entering the halftime break after shooting a blistering hot 18-for-27 from the field in the opening half. Meanwhile, the Warriors had converted on only nine field goal attempts in the first period of play, resulting in their 49-28 shortfall with twenty minutes left to figure out how to start their senior weekend off with a win.
Slowly but surely, the Navy and Gold began to creep their way back into striking distance utilizing a 25-9 advantage in points scored off OIT turnovers, eventually cutting the once massive scoreboard disadvantage into a single-digit deficit after senior guard Collin Warmouth splashed a three-pointer with just under ten minutes left to play out on Tim Hills Court.
The final five minutes of action saw the Warriors and Owls flip between one and two possessions that separated the two postseason bound programs, as both teams went shot-for-shot with some incredible basketball IQ on display at the C.E. Jeffers Sports Center tonight. Every time the Navy and Gold would hit a crucial basket, one of Oregon Tech's multiple double-digit scorers would have an answer on their own offense end.
At the 35-second mark, junior forward Jay Wilson was fouled in the act of shooting to give the Denton, Texas native a pair of free throws with his team down four points to the nationally ranked Owls. After converting on one of his two attempts, the Warriors needed to foul in order to put OIT at the line and hope for a miss on the front end of a 1-and-1 situation.
However, the contingency of Owl fans in attendance departed from Tim Hills Court with a massive road win to help solidify themselves as the No. 2-overall seed in the upcoming Cascade Collegiate Conference Tournament in less than two weeks' time, as guard Jamison Guerra converted on all four of his free throws in the final seconds to clinch the five-point victory.
Warmouth continued his hot streak offensively today with a game-high 25 points on 8-for-17 shooting, connecting on four three-pointers and hauling in seven rebounds. Wilson shook off a cold first half to finish with 18 points and eight rebounds, while senior guard Taylor Anderson and junior forward Jared Franklin pitched in 13 points apiece.
Guerra and guard Kam Osborn set the pace offensively for Oregon Tech with 17 points in 37 minutes of play apiece, with each splashing a trio of three-pointers and Guerra dishing out seven assists. Guard Keegan Shivers (12) and forward Blake Jensen (10) both finished in double-figures as well.
The Corban men's basketball program will be recognizing four senior student-athletes tomorrow evening following the women's contest, with a 5pm start time currently scheduled and a senior day ceremony to be hosted right before the start of their rematch with Southern Oregon University.
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