News

First Half Surge Lifts Oregon Tech Over Warner Pacific

01.29.2012

David Clarke led Oregon Tech with 18 points in win tonight over Warner Pacific. (photo by Kelly Caleb)

PORTLAND, Ore – Oregon Tech buried nine of 13 attempts from behind the arch, while shooting 69 percent from the floor in the first period, to send the top ranked Owls to a 78-69 road win at Warner Pacific tonight in Cascade Conference action.

The first period barrage gave OIT a commanding 54-34 lead at half-time, and David Clarke was the main culprit. The junior guard splashed all five of his attempts and had 16 points at the break. As a team the Owls made 20 of 29 attempts from the field in the first twenty minutes. Biniam Tadele did his best to keep Warner Pacific in the ball game, scoring 14 in the period for the Knights.

The host Knights came out with a purpose in the second period, and began to chip away at the deficit as the Owl shooters cooled off. The Knights scored the first eight points after the break, and later drew with four points (53-57) on an interior basket and free throw from Stephen Harris. Oregon Tech didn’t panic and reeled off five straight points and stretched the lead out to 13 (64-77) with 1:21 to play after a pair of free throws from Bobby Hunter.

Oregon Tech finished the game with a 54 percent shooting percentage, while the Knights managed a 39 percent clip. OIT won the battle of the boards 37-29.

Tadele scored 21 points in total to lead Warner Pacific, while Harris (18) and William Sharp (11) also finished in double figure scoring. Dane Johnson threw for a game high nine assists.

Clark managed just a single field goal after halftime, but still led the Owls with 18 points on the night. Bobby Hunter added 17 points and four assists. Jason Gamblin finished 5-for-5 from the floor for 14 points with Kyle Gomez adding 13 in the win for Tech

Oregon Tech remains in a tie for first place in the CCC (12-2, 22-3 overall) with Northwest. Warner Pacific is a mere half game back at 11-2 (18-5 overall).

Oregon Tech will host Southern Oregon University this Saturday beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Information provided WPC sports information