Drive Not Enough For Raider Men

The last meeting between the Raiders and the Geoducks of Evergreen State College was a bit of a disappointment as Southern Oregon lost in Olympia by 36.

Determined to avenge that loss earlier in the season the Raider were unable to get the better of Evergreen falling 79-73 this past Saturday at McNeal Pavilion.

The Raiders started out looking flustered and rushed as they tried to attack the 25th-ranked Geoducks with all they had.

Hasty shot selection led to the Raiders shooting only 38 percent from the floor for the first half, part of which resulted in a 21-6 Evergreen lead just five and a half minutes into the game.

Evergreen played tight defense and the Raiders had to really battle to keep the game manageable. Amidst frantic scrambles for the ball and a bit of dirty play, the Raiders were able cut a huge lead down to 12 to end the half.

The Raiders came into the second half with the need to cool down and find some form of cohesion. SOU attacked the basket more and were paid back as they were frequently sent to the line.

A monster block by Ryan Staker, his first of five in the game, led to a layup by Jarrad Childs to cut the Evergreen lead to single digits for the first time in the half.

Despite a desperate effort to cut further into the deficit the Raiders just could not catch a break until Humphrey Jackson nailed three consecutive three pointers with under five minutes left in the game to blow the lead down to four points.

A controversial jump ball called by referees took the game to its boiling point. Staker powered through the defense of multiple defenders and got rattled.

Many wanted a foul, particularly Staker, but one was never called and the Geoducks got the ball with 2:30 left in the game.

The Geoducks were able to hold out for the 79-73 win.

Staker had another solid game with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Jackson finished with 17 points including five three pointers and Drew Herrera added 12 points.

All-American Nate Menefee led the Geoducks and all scorers with 26 points.

Southern Oregon dropped to 11-13 overall and 3-12 in Cascade conference play. Evergreen State improved to 17-7 overall and 10-4 in conference matches.