News

Oregon Tech Defeats Simpson, 73-59

12.18.2012

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – Oregon Tech led by 19 points with five minutes to play and held off a late rally by Simpson University to post a 73-59 victory in non-conference men’s basketball action tonight at Danny Miles Court.

Kyle Waits dunks for 2 of his 8 points. Waits added 5 rebounds and 2 assists in win over Simpson. (photo by Kelly Caleb)

Oregon Tech moves to 10-6 overall and resumes Cascade Collegiate Conference play this Friday and Saturday in Portland.

A slow shooting night from the start, Oregon Tech was the first to double digits nearly seven minutes into tonight’s contest, leading 11-7 with 13:28 in the opening period. Five minutes later Tech held a 24-14 edge, on the way to a 39-26 lead after Brandon Bautista hit a jumper to end the half.

Simpson was able to pull within single digits, 39-30, early in the second period but the Hustlin’ Owls never let it get closer. Josh Johnson would connect for a score on Tech’s next possession and the Owls would secure a 19 point lead, their largest of the game, with 11:38 remaining, 57-38.

The teams would trade baskets over the next six minutes, still a 19 point advantage for Tech, before an 11-2 run by the visitors pulled the Red Hawks to within 10 points, 69-59, with two minutes to play.

Oregon Tech, however, recorded the final four points to secure the 73-59 victory.

Mihajlo Matic tallied a game-high 22 points, including seven 3-pointers, while grabbing 6 rebounds in the win for Tech. Dani Lopez added 10 points and grabbed a game-high 9 boards with Kyle Waits and Josh Johnson scoring 8 points each.

Guy Varsek led the Red Hawks with 19 points and 8 rebounds with Ian Corella finishing in double figures with 10 points in the loss for Simpson. Nick Dalby added 8 points with Jonnie Washburn finishing with 7 points and 5 rebounds and Bryce Butler 5 points to go with 8 rebounds.

Oregon Tech was held to just 32.9% from the floor (25-for-76), while the Red Hawks connected on 39.7% of their tries (23-of-58).