LA GRANDE, Ore. – Eastern Oregon suffered its second home loss of the season Friday night, dropping a hard-fought conference matchup to Corban University, 66-60. Despite four Mounties scoring in double figures, a late Warriors surge proved too much to overcome.
Corban set the tone early, jumping out to a 16-7 lead midway through the first half. Eastern responded by trading baskets and gradually chipping away at the deficit, but the Warriors maintained control with multiple scoring runs, twice stretching the lead to nine. The Mounties found their offensive rhythm late in the half, closing strong to pull within two and head into the locker room trailing just 31-29.
Momentum swung back and forth throughout the second half as both teams exchanged leads. Eastern briefly seized control, building a five-point advantage and energizing the home crowd. However, with just under three minutes remaining, a shot clock violation followed by a lengthy review resulted in a turnover, shifting momentum back to Corban. The Warriors capitalized with a decisive 12-0 run to regain control. Eastern managed two late jumpers to cut into the deficit, but Corban held on for the 66-60 victory.
The Warriors shot efficiently, finishing at 50.9% from the field compared to Eastern's 32.9%. While the Mounties more than doubled Corban's three-point attempts, they struggled from deep, converting just 21.7%. Eastern was nearly flawless at the free-throw line, going 9-for-10, while Corban finished 8-of-18.
Turnovers and fouls proved pivotal in the outcome. Corban capitalized on Eastern's 15 turnovers, converting them into eight points, while the Mounties were unable to score off the Warriors' 12 miscues. The difference was further magnified at the free-throw line, where Corban made eight shots—five of them during its decisive 12-point run.
Isaiah Jones led Eastern with 15 points on 60% shooting.
Logan Orchard added 11 points, four steals, and a block, while shooting a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line.
Trent Rogers and
Keilan Torkornoo also reached double figures. Rogers knocked down two of three shots from beyond the arc, went 2-for-2 at the stripe, and recorded two steals. Torkornoo posted a near double-double with 10 points, nine rebounds, and a block.
Corban was led by TJ Zimmerman's game-high 18 points, along with three steals and a block. Oreon Courtney and Joe Gould also contributed double-digit scoring and combined for four steals.
With the loss, Eastern Oregon falls to 12-5 overall and 7-2 in conference play. Corban improves to 8-9 overall and 4-5 in conference.
The Mounties return to Quinn Coliseum tomorrow, January 17, to host Bushnell University at 5:00 p.m.
