ASHLAND – For the first time in program history, the Southern Oregon University men's basketball team has won at least 20 games in four straight seasons after Saturday night's 79-59 win against the Walla Walla Wolves at Mountain Avenue Gym.
Ben DeSaulnier went 8-for-13 and scored 22 points as the 14th-ranked Raiders started the game on a 26-2 run. The Wolves managed to keep it a game after the opening onslaught but were never able to make much of a dent in SOU's lead. DeSaulnier also hit four of the Raiders' season-high 13 3-pointers as they improved to 20-5 overall and 13-2 in the Cascade Conference.
The Raiders – who reached 20 wins in fewer games than they had in 10 seasons – remain one game behind first-place and eighth-ranked Northwest Christian with five regular-season games to play.
The Wolves, who were visiting Ashland for the first time, dropped to 3-20 overall and 1-14 in the CCC.
Joel Spear registered 12 points, seven assists, five rebounds and two steals. When the Wolves cut SOU's lead to 42-27 in the opening minutes of the second half, it was a pair of Spear 3-pointers that sparked an 8-0 run to put the Raiders in control for good.
Justin Martin scored all 12 of his points on 3-pointer and has now connected on 15 triples in SOU's last three games. Kenny Meyer contributed nine points, four assists and four rebounds, and Clay Sierra had eight points, nine boards, three assists and three blocks.
The Raiders shot 52 percent as a team and kept the Wolves at 39 percent from the field.
WWU was led by
Ryan Spady's 17 points and 12 rebounds.
Chad Torkelsen and
Ethan Osias scored 13 apiece.
Story provided by Southern Oregon Sports Information
