Early Surge Sends Corban to 105-69 Capital Classic Win over Bearcats

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, ORE. -- Corban University took advantage of hot 3-point shooting to build a 35-8 lead in the first 11:09, and the Warriors went on to defeat Willamette University, 105-69, in the consolation game of the Capital City Classic at Cone Field House on Saturday, Nov. 26. Corban improved to 5-4 on the season, while Willamette dropped to 1-3.

The scoring was about even for most of the remainder of the game, until Corban gained a slight edge when the two teams emptied their benches late in the contest.

Corban hit 11 of 19 three-pointers in the first half and finished the game 15 of 28 (53.6%). The Warriors shot 57.8% from the field (37 of 64).

Erik Cronrath of Corban scored 21 points on 7 of 11 shooting (no threes). He grabbed six rebounds to go with four assists, two blocks and two steals. Jordan Carter also scored 21 points on 8 of 12 shooting (4 for 5 on 3-pointers). Jake Mauermann earned 17 points, including 5 for 9 on 3-point shots.

Jacob Kopra also reached double figures for Corban, as he ended the game with 12 points after hitting 5 of 7 field goals.

Willamette's top scorer was Taylor Mounts (Sr., Wing/Post, Kailua, HI/Iolani School), who achieved a game-high 23 points. He also earned six rebounds and was 8 of 12 from the field (3 for 5 on 3-pointer). Joseph Jackson (Fr., G, Hillsboro, OR/Hillsboro HS) scored 11 points and was 4 for 8 on field goals.

Corban sank 9 of 14 three-pointers while building its 27-point early lead. After hitting just one of its first five attempts, Corban connected on seven 3-pointers in a row. Carter made four of the trifectas, while Mauermann added three.

WU cut six points off the lead to get within 47-26 with 3:26 remaining in the half, but Corban went into halftime with a 57-32 advantage.

The Bearcats shot just 39.4% in the first half (13 of 33), while making 3 of 11 three-pointers (27.3%). Willamette improved to 44.8% shooting (13 of 29) over the final 20 minutes to finish the game 26 of 62 from the field, including 7 of 21 on 3-pointers.

Corban attained a 40-28 advantage on the boards. James Green led the Warriors with seven rebounds.

Both teams kept turnovers to a minimum. The Warriors lost the ball just 10 times and Willamette gave up possession 13 times.

Willamette will open Northwest Conference play against Pacific Lutheran University at Cone Field House on Friday, Dec. 2. Game time is scheduled for 8 p.m. (PST) following the women's game between Willamette and PLU.

Championship Game

Western Oregon University won the Capital City Classic title by defeating Montana Tech, 73-57, in the championship game. The Wolves owned a 36-27 lead at halftime and maintained the lead throughout the second half. Montana Tech never got closer than eight points during the final 20 minutes.

The Wolves placed three players in double figures, topped by James Gehring with 17 points. Gehring hit 8 of 10 field goals and grabbed six rebounds. Blair Wheadon scored 16 points to go with four assists, four rebounds and two steals. Kyle Long contributed 14 points and four boards.

Jamaal Veal and Kolton Nelson of Western Oregon tied for game-high rebounding honors with seven boards apiece.

Adam Greger paced Montana Tech with 11 points, while Tyree Haynie tacked on nine points for the Orediggers. Greger, Bryan Bock and Trent Thompson each hauled down six rebounds.

WOU took a 14-6 lead when Wheadon converted a 3-point shot with 13:25 remaining in the first half. The Wolves' lead reached 13 points at 25-12 with 9:17 on the clock, following a 3-pointer by Long.

Montana Tech reduced the margin to 25-21 after Brock sank two free throws with 6:33 to go before halftime. The Orediggers trailed by just four points two more times, including 31-27 at the 2:11 mark, but WOU closed out the half with a 5-0 run.

Western Oregon connected on 50.8% of its field goals (30 of 59), including 53.3% (16 of 30) in the second half. Led by a 4-for-7 effort from Wheadon on 3-pointers, the Wolves finished the contest 6 of 16 (37.5%) from behind the arc. The Wolves also gained a 39-31 edge on the glass.

The Orediggers shot 35.2% overall (19 of 54) and made 4 of 24 three-pointers (16.7%). Montana Tech converted 15 of 21 free throws, while WOU made 7 of 9 shots at the line.

Wheadon was chosen Most Valuable Player of the tournament. Gehring of Western Oregon and Greger from Montana Tech also earned spots on the All-Tournament Team.

Capital City Classic

Most Valuable Player
Blair Wheadon, Western Oregon

All-Tournament Team
Blair Wheadon, Western Oregon; James Gehring, Western Oregon; Adam Greger, Montana Tech; Jordan Carter, Corban; Erik Cronrath, Corban.