KLAMATH FALLS, OR. — The Oregon Tech Hustlin' Owls (12-5, 9-0) held off a valiant effort from Walla Walla (2-14, 1-8) in an 87-75 victory on Saturday night. After earning a forfeit victory over #17 Lewis-Clark State last night, Tech improves to 9-0 in conference play for the first time since the 2010-11 season, where they started 10-0.

Oregon Tech 87 Walla Walla University 75

Looking to keep their perfect CCC record intact, a shorthanded OIT side held off an honorable effort from the Walla Walla Wolves.

Entering Saturday's contest, Tech would be forced to play without five key players due to COVID-19 protocols.
 

Facing adversity, Tech would allow the first bucket of the game to Walla Walla, then from that point would never trail again.

The Hustlin' Owls shot 64.3% in the first half, which was a key to Tech leading 47-39 at the break.

However, Walla Walla refused to go away, shooting 51.5% in the first half to stay in the contest.

As the Wolves continued to stick around, Jamison Guerra took over for Tech in the second half. 

Guerra scored 15 second-half points to assist Tech in holding off Walla Walla. 

While Tech's offense stayed efficient, it was their defense that forced the Wolves to live and die by the three. Tech was able to hold Walla Walla to just 6-25 shooting behind the arc, which ended up being a big difference in the game.

OIT outscored Walla Walla 40-36 in the second half, getting the big stops when they needed to improve to 9-0 in CCC play.

Tech finished with four players in double figures, highlighted by a big game from Jamison Guerra:

Jamison Guerra: 23 points on 7-of-12 shooting with five rebounds

Garret Albrecht: 18 points on 9-of-12 shooting with four rebounds

Matt Van Tassell: 15 points on 5-of-10 shooting with four rebounds

Erik Fraser: 11 points on 4-of-7 shooting with four steals

Walla Walla was led by KiAndre Gaddy, who scored 19 points on 8-of-18 shooting with nine rebounds.

Tech will return to action next week when they travel to Portland to face Multnomah (8-9, 4-5) on Saturday at 5 pm. The Lady Owls were also slated to face Warner-Pacific, but the Knights forfeited due to a 14-day COVID pause.