2/10/2010 10:54:54 AM
The final push for a Cascade Conference playoff spot for the Southern Oregon heads to Klamath Falls Saturday when they face third-ranked and red-hot Oregon Tech.
The Raiders (11-13, 3-12) and Owls (23-4, 12-3) tipoff at 7:30 p.m. Saturday night. Tickets are limited and can be purchased by visiting the Oregon Tech athletic web site.
Southern Oregon has dropped three straight victories, but still have a legitimate chance to make the conference’s postseason tournament. With three games to play in the regular season, the Raiders are a game-and-a-half back of College of Idaho for the final playoff spot.
SOU senior Ryan Staker has been the go-to-guy for the Raiders the last couple games. Last weekend, Staker averaged over 19 points and nine rebounds and shot 55 percent from the field.
Since dropping back-to-back games in December, the Owls have won 12 of 13 games and have won those 12 games back an average of 16 points.
The only close game out of those 12 came back on January 16 when the Raiders almost pulled off the upset before falling to the Owls 72-71 at home.
Saturday’s game could be a historical victory for Oregon Tech head coach Danny Miles. The SOU alum and Hall of Famer has a chance to win career victory No. 900 on Saturday. Only three coaches at the NCAA or NAIA level have ever won 900 games. Oregon Tech has won 34 straight games at home.