Mountaineers down Western in last seonds

By Tim Mollerstrom Eastern Oregon Sports Information - 11/13/2006

LA GRANDE, ORE. — A lay-up by senior Vernon Cropper with two seconds left in the game secured a victory for the Mounties, who outlasted Montana-Western 76-74 on Saturday night. The game was the last of four in the 8th annual Aramark Quinn Classic.

The Mounties trailed at the half for the first time all season, 35-33. The team started out cold from beyond the arc, going 1-for-11 in the first half. However, down the stretch, the team was able to compensate in other areas.

The team was led by tournament MVP sophomore Paul Carollo, who had 15 points and 14 rebounds before fouling out late in the second half. “Paul has been the most consistent player for us to this point,” said Head Coach Ryan Looney. “His effort is high not only on game day, but in practice as well.” Junior Mark Carollo led the team with 17 points, while sophomores Tanner McIntosh and See WESTERN, Page B5 Western ...

all-tournament team selection Jeremy Templeton with nine points apiece. “Jeremy demonstrated the type of leadership qualities to be an efficient point guard. He gave us toughness when we needed it down the stretch.” Kellen Ori led the Bulldogs with 18 points on six three-pointers with only seven attempts. Wes Morales chipped in with 15 points of his own. Tyler Palmer was held to four points after scoring 37 in his first game against Albertson.

“Our team still has a lot to work on and we haven’t played as we are capable of, but we’ve found a way to win our first five games.” The Mountaineers next host Walla Walla College on Tuesday night in Quinn Coliseum. The team then travels to Albertson College for the Golden Rule Challenge next Friday and Saturday.

Albertson was able to defeat Montana Tech 86-74 in the early game on Saturday. Ike Stafford and Josh Owen had 24 and 18 points, respectively, for the ‘Yotes. Shea Bradshaw and Jake Williams each scored 16 in the losing effort.

The other members of the all-tournament team included Ike Stafford and Josh Owen from Albertson, Shea Bradshaw from Montana Tech and Tyler Palmer from Montana-Western.

Montana Western (2-3) — Zach Pitts 1-5, 6-6, 8; Tyler Palmer 2-6, 0-0, 4; Chad Myers 3-5, 0-0, 9; Wes Morales 5-13, 5-6, 15; Alex Head 3-5, 0-3, 6; Layne Glaus 1-3, 1-2, 3; Gus McDonald 4-4, 0-1, 9; Bob Neiman 1-1, 0-0, 2; Kellen Ori 6-9, 0-2, 18.

Eastern Oregon University (5-0) — Mark Carollo 6-20, 3-3, 17; Tanner McIntosh 3-10, 2-2, 9; Jeremy Templeton 1-6, 7-8, 9; Paul Carollo 6-9, 3-5, 15; Derek Brown 4-6, 0-0, 8; Vernon Cropper 2-3, 1-1, 5; Nick Finley 2-2, 0-1, 5.

Half — UM-W 35, EOU 33. 3-point goals — UM-W 10-18 (Chad Myers 3-4, Kellen Ori 6-7), EOU 4-20 (Mark Carollo 2-10). Rebounds — UM-W 29 (Tyler Palmer 5), EOU 39 (Paul Carollo 14). Total fouls — UM-W 22, EOU 18. Fouled out — P. Carollo. Assists — UM-W 13 (Zach Pitts 3), EOU 19 (Jeremy Templeton 5). Turnovers — UM-W 19, EOU 17.