SURPRISE, Ariz. – Blake Jensen scored a career-high 20 points with 11 rebounds, including a go-ahead dunk inside the final minute of overtime, as Oregon Tech earned a key 91-90 victory over Ottawa University of Arizona inside Spirit Arena.
Facing the 2023 NAIA national semifinalists, the Hustlin’ Owls (4-1) rallied from a four-point deficit inside the final 90 seconds of regulation to force overtime.
Keegan Shivers converted at the rim with two minutes left in the extra session to give Tech an 89-85 lead, but the Spirit (3-2) got a long trey from Bryce Fitzgerald and following a turnover, Fitzgerald hit two free throws to give the hosts a 1-point lead. On the ensuing possession, Shivers found Jensen on a back-pick for the go-ahead dunk – with Tech withstanding three potential game-winning attempts by OUAZ.
In the first half, a Jensen dunk started a 16-5 run, capped by a Jay Elmore triple, gave OIT their largest lead of the night at 40-38 – with the Owls taking a 44-40 lead to the break.
The Owls led 56-48 early in the second half, but Jacob Henry rallied the Spirit, scoring 7-straight points at one point, as OUAZ battled back to take a 68-63 lead. Henry canned his third 3-pointer of the night with two minutes remaining in regulation to take an 83-79 lead. Following a Cam Osborn free throw, Tech got a defensive stop and three offensive rebounds on the next possession, setting the stage for Guerra, who double-pumped a 22-footer as the shot clock expired to tie the score.
Jensen finished 10-of-15 from the field in the win, with Guerra recording 16 points and career-highs with 10 assists and five steals. Osborn had 14 points, Shivers had 11 points and eight boards, Kody Bauman scored 10 and Erik Fraser posted nine points, nine rebounds and five assists.
Fitzgerald led OUAZ with 19 points and 11 rebounds, with Henry adding 17 points and 10 assists. Tech held the Spirit to 8-of-26 shooting from outside the arc – the fifth-straight team to shoot under 33-percent from distance.
Tech closes out the non-conference schedule on Friday with a 4 p.m. (PT)/5 p.m. (MT) match-up at Embry-Riddle.
