SPOKANE, Wash. – Oregon Tech rallied from a 15-point third quarter deficit, getting three chances inside the final minute to tie or take the lead, but the Lady Owls could not overcome a 27% shooting night in a 54-50 loss to Providence at the Northwest Crossover Classic.
Tatum Schmerbach had 18 points and nine rebounds for the No. 23-ranked Lady Owls (0-1), with her jumper with just over two minutes left pulling OIT within 52-50. Tech got two defensive stops and two offensive rebounds, but couldn't get the needed basket.
The Argos (1-0) led 24-18 at the half and used a 17-4 third quarter run to build a 41-26 lead, before the Owls battled back.
Kendall Fealey scored eight points and tied a career-high with seven steals, with Avery Answers scoring eight points with 10 rebounds.
Brooke Dial paced the Argos with 17 points and 10 rebounds, as UP won despite being held to a 30% shooting clip.
OIT closes out tournament play on Sunday with an 8 p.m. date with No. 3-Dakota State.
