OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Oregon Tech Owls held the Evergreen Geoducks to just 34.5% shooting from the field as OIT held on for the 68-54 win in a Cascade Conference men’s basketball game on Friday night at CRC Gymnasium in Olympia, Wash.

The Owls built the early lead as Oregon Tech built a nine-point lead with 14:18 to go in the opening period.  Evergreen battled back to pull within three at the midway point but the defending national champions extended the lead again as the Owls held a 32-26 lead at the break.

In the second half, the Geoducks dug deep and battled back to within one point on a three-pointer by Frankie Johnson (Renton, Wash./Hazen HS) with 15:30 to go in the game.  OIT answered back with a 7-0 run as the lead got into double-digits as Evergreen struggled to get back as Oregon Tech earned the 68-54 win.

Evergreen was led by 14 point from Johnson.  Elzie Dickens (Seattle, Wash./Highline CC) earned the double-double with 10 points and 14 rebounds on the night.  The Geoducks held a brief advantage on the boards, outrebounding OIT by a final of 34-33.

Oregon Tech was led by 19 points from Kyle Waits.  David Clarke finished with 11 points and eight rebounds on the night. As a team, the Owls shot 40.4% on the night, making 19-of-47 attempts, including seven three-pointers.

The Geoducks wrap up the home portion of the schedule on Saturday night when they play host to 24th-ranked Southern Oregon.  Tip with the Raiders is set for 7:30 p.m. at CRC Gymnasium in Olympia.

Box Score