KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – A lot has been made out of the long drought that the Northwest Christian University men's basketball team has suffered in Klamath Falls, having lost every road game against Oregon Tech since 1985. Once again the Owls proved just why it is so difficult to win on their floor, coming from behind to knock off the Beacons, 84-74.
 
The first half was one for the ages, featuring three lead changes and a huge offensive streak for each team. After NCU claimed an early 10-7 lead, Oregon Tech pushed on the gas pedal as they went on a 22-4 run. Back-to-back three-pointers from Lavar Moore had the home team ahead 29-14 with 8:48 remaining in the period.
 
The Beacons had an answer, putting together a 25-5 run of their own as they forced five turnovers over the next six minutes to take a 39-34 lead. An Austen Flint three-pointer with 1:47 to play helped the Owls end the streak and a closing bucket by Javonte Byrd gave NCU a 41-37 lead at the intermission.
 
NCU built the advantage to as many as six points in the second half and were leading 52-47 with just under 12 minutes to play. The edge was 57-54 with 8:17 to go and a historic win on the near horizon. Brandon Bautista and the Owls had other ideas, however, and a three-pointer from the senior guard spelled the unraveling of the visiting challengers.
 
Northwest Christian went cold, hitting just three field goals on nine attempts and missing seven of 17 free-throw attempts to end the game. Oregon Tech took advantage of the deflated Beacons over those last eight minutes, closing out the game with 30 points on 5-for-9 shooting, adding 13 points at the free-throw line to put the victory on ice.
 
The Beacons (14-7, 7-5 CCC) finished the game shooting 43% from the field including a 7-for-17 effort from three-point land. Jay Mayernik led the way with 17 points and six rebounds while Austin Kuemper scored 15 and six. Jack Hackman (pictured) came off the bench to hit four triples on five attempts, ending with 16 points.
 
Oregon Tech (13-9, 6-6) had five players in double-figures, led by Flint with 17 and Moore with 16. Bautista finished with 15 points. Duncan Schramm came off the bench to score 13 points and fellow reserve Josh Johnson added 11 points and a game-high nine rebounds.
 
NCU will return to action on Saturday night, traveling to face Southern Oregon University. The Beacons will look to extend a four-game winning streak against the Raiders when they tip-off at 7:30 p.m.