SPOKANE, Wash. – Playing for the fourth time in five days, the Evergreen Geoducks couldn’t keep up with the Montana Tech Orediggers, falling 74-54 in a non-conference men’s basketball game as part of the Red Lion Cascade/Frontier Challenge on Saturday at Spokane Falls Community College in Spokane, Wash.

After tipping off just about 16 hours following the end of their last game, the Geoducks struggled in the first half as Montana Tech was able to build a lead.  After Evergreen managed to keep it close in the first half, the Oredigger lead hit double digits with 4:51 left to play in the opening period on the first of two successful free throws from Quinn Smith.  Evergreen continued to struggle shooting in the remaining minutes of the half but the Diggers didn’t have the same problem, taking a 31-14 lead into the break.

The Geoducks came out ready to play in the second half as they were able to match Montana Tech point for point over the first ten minutes.  The two teams continued to play an even second half but the early deficit proved too much for Evergreen to overcome, falling to the Orediggers by a final of xx-xx

Evergreen was led by 12 points from Cody Peters (Coupeville, Wash./Western Oregon).  Marc Taylor (Boise, Idaho/Edmonds CC) added 11 points and 10 rebounds to collect his first double-double as a Geoduck.  The Geoducks forced 15 turnovers on the afternoon, converting for 18 points off turnovers.

Montana Tech was led by 15 points from Travis Peevey.  Brandon Ryberg and Daniel Simon each scored 11 in the win while Quinn Smith chalked up 10 points for the Oregdiggers.  Tech outrebounded the Geoducks, 48-31, on the game.

The Geoducks return to Olympia on Tuesday when they play host to cross-town rival Saint Martin’s in a men’s/women’s exhibition doubleheader.  The Saint and Geoduck women will tip at 6 p.m., followed by the men at about 8 p.m.

Box Score