The Southern Oregon University Men’s basketball team is predicted to finish fourth in the Cascade Collegiate Conference after their fifth place finish in the 2011-2012 season.  The Raiders received 73-points, two votes in which were first-place votes.

During the 2011 season, the Raiders finished with a 17-13 overall record and a 10-8 CCC record while losing a heartbreaking overtime loss to Warner Pacific in the conference tournament, 82-78, to end their season.

The Raiders have had struggles up to last season finishing and winning games with their last winning season coming in 2005-2006 when they had a 23-9 overall record heading into the National Tournament.  During this span the Raiders were 57-90 overall and made the conference tournament three times.

But this year, the Raiders hope to build off of their recent success behind NAIA All-American Erin Thompson, whom is a native of Roseburg, Oregon is one of three returning players for the Raiders this season.

The 6’7 Sophmore Forward average 19.6 points a game, shot 82.2% from the free throw line, and had 7.6 rebounds a game as a freshman in 2011.

Brian McDermott, whom is entering his 17th season with the Raiders, has brought in nine new recruits that include two international players from Austrailla; 6’3 freshman point guard Joel Spear from Adelaide, Australia and 6’8 freshman forward/center Jordan West from Gymea Bay, Australia.

The Raiders will host a pair of Alumni games before kicking off the season November 2nd at Bob Rhiem Arena when they go on the road against Pacific Union.