KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – With the Oregon Tech Hustlin’ Owls set to celebrate head coach Danny Miles’ 1000th career win, the Evergreen Geoducks were unable to play spoiler, falling 80-61 in a Cascade Conference men’s basketball game on Friday night at Danny Miles Court in Klamath Falls, Ore.
The Hustlin’ Owls jumped out to the early lead as the Geoducks were forced to play from behind from the very beginning. Evergreen did well in the role, overcoming an early 10-point deficit to pull within three points on a three-pointer by Frankie Johnson (Renton, Wash./Hazen HS) with 5:22 to go in the opening period.
Unfortunately for Evergreen, the Owls responded with an 8-0 run that put OIT back up by double-digits as the clock ticked towards halftime. The Geoducks finally got back within single-digits but Oregon Tech held the 37-30 halftime lead.
In the second half, OIT came out strong, using a 9-2 run to push the lead back into double-digits at 46-32. The game continued to slip away from the Geoducks as Oregon Tech ran away with the 80-61 win.
Evergreen was led by 15 points from Kyle Calhoun (Seattle, Wash./Hazen HS/Marshalltown CC). Marc Taylor (Boise, Idaho/Skyview HS/Edmonds CC) added 10 points in the loss. The Geoducks shot just 33.3% on the night, making 18 of 54 attempts on the night.
Oregon Tech was led by 23 points from Kyle Waits. Brandon Bautista added 16 points while Duncan Schramm put up 13 points off the bench. Austen Flint finished with 11 points and Josh Johnson collected the double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds to round out the Hustlin’ Owls in double-digit scoring.
The Geoducks return to action on Saturday night as they make the trip to Ashland, Ore. to take on Southern Oregon. Tip with the Raiders is set for 7:30 p.m.