Highlights from College Fanz

#2 Oregon Tech 63, Judson 57

POINT LOOKOUT, Mo. - Laying their hearts out on the court in the final half of the game in an effort to upset #2 Oregon Tech, Judson University fell short by six points, 63-57, in the first round of the NAIA Division II National Tournament. Judson was down by as many as 21 points in the first half and came back to take a three-point lead in the second half.

With just under five minutes to play in the game, Judson took a three-point lead, 45-42, before Oregon Tech made a run to end the game. Judson had been down by 21 points in the first half and finished the half on a 12-0 run to come within nine at the half, 35-26.

Three players scored in double figures as Jim Kuban had 14 points, Landon Skinner 11 points, and Josh Edwards 10. LeStan Hoskins had 10 rebounds.

Continuing their run into the second half, Judson finished a 15-0 run that started in the first half to pull within six, 35-28. Judson then battled the entire half and retook the lead with just over five minutes left to play. Judson kept the lead for a little over a minute and then ran out of gas in the final four minutes as Oregon Tech pushed forward for the win.

In the first hallf, Judson went toe-to-toe with Oregon Tech in the first seven minutes. Judson had a one-point lead, 12-11, with 13:10 remaining. Judson's well then went dry for the next 9:33 as Oregon Tech went on a 24-2 run and a 21-point lead, 35-14. Judson's offense then broke the scoring drought with a 12-0 run to end the half. Skinner had six of the 12 points in the run.

Judson finished the game shooting 31% but made onlyh 21% from three-point land and was 72% from the line. Oregon Tech made 33% of their shots, shot 7% from the three-point line, and 69% from the stripe. Judson and Oregon Tech each had 40 rebounds.

Oregon Tech, who was the NAIA National Champions in 2004 and 2008, have the most wins for a program in the NAIA National Tournament (27). They have also never lost a game in the first round.

Judson finishes the season at 17-13 and their seven-game winning streak comes to an end. Judson says good-bye to five seniors in Ben Rayhorn, LeStan Hoskins, Nate McNeely, Josh Weber, and Michael Wood.

This season also brought Judson's second CCAC Tournament Championship in three years and second appearance at the NAIA National Tournament. In two years as the head coach, Tony Tompkins has won 38 games, 2 CCAC Championships (1 regular season, 1 tournament) and made one NAIA National Tournament.