KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – No.12 Oregon Tech won their first match of the Lithia Classic on Friday night against Antelope Valley 79-78 as Antelope Valley's Christian Drayton missed two free throws with 0.2s on the clock.

"We got the juice back," said Head Coach Justin Parnell. "I'm so proud of how we hung in there down the stretch when it didn't look great for us. More important than any stat, I loved our toughness, and the enthusiasm of the home crowd."

The first half started out a tossup, with the lead switching between Tech and Antelope Valley four times in the first few minutes. However, Tech soon pulled ahead with an 8-0 run and ended the first half with a six-point lead, 46-40.

Junior Mitchell Fink scored 19 points in the first half alone, ending the night with a game high 29 with 10 assists for a double-double. Junior Tyler Hieb added 9 points and 5 rebounds, and Sophomore Harrison Steiger brought in 8 points.

While the first half looked good for Tech, the second half saw an increased effort from Antelope Valley as they pushed their way to the lead with a 15-0 run. Christian Drayton led their efforts with 19 points and 13 rebounds, earning him a double-double. Hayden Hall also took in 18 points.

Things came to a head in the final couple minutes as Sophomore Garret Albrecht tied the score with two consecutive two pointers. Antelope Valley retook the lead with a bucket and a free throw, but Tech was able to take it back with a Fink layup and a solid two-pointer from Freshman Kaison Faust in the final 14 seconds.

Tech gained 25 points from their bench to the Pioneers 15.

The Hustlin' Owls will play their second game of the Lithia Classic Saturday night at the Danny Miles Court at 7:30 pm against New Hope Christian College.

Press release from Oregon Tech Sports Information