It’s always important to come out of the starting blocks strong.

As for the 16th-ranked Southern Oregon University Men’s Basketball team, it mean’s being ranked, obtaining an 8-3 record coming out of the weekend and starting off on the right foot in the Cascade Collegiate Conference.

But not before going to overtime against Northwest Christian University Friday night.

The night started rough for Southern Oregon as they only scored 20 points in the first half while their defense kept them in it by holding the Beacons to 27 first half points and 29-percent from the field.

As most birds do, they open up their wings and being to fly; and the Raiders did just that.

With almost 61 percent shooting from the field in the second half on offense and their defense stepping up, the Raiders outscored the Beacons to force overtime, 62-62.

In overtime, the Raiders played from behind.  Being down by as much as two points at several occasions in the five minute overtime peroid.

With 24 seconds left, Kyle Tedder was fouled and was sent to the line for two.

Free throws can help a team, free throws can kill a team as most coaches would tell you.

The first one sank.

Tied ball game at 69 a-piece.  One more to go. Tedder goes through his motion and shoots.

The second one sinks.  Southern Oregon leads by one.

Northwest Christian drove down, Greg Shepard was at the three-point line.

Nine seconds left.  He shoots, ball hits the rim, no good.

David Sturner gets the rebound and is fouled immedately for a 2 and 2 free throw attempt.

It goes down.  Southern Oregon is up 71-69, eight seconds to go.

Sturner misses the second one, Shepard rebounds; he drives the court and jacks up a shot as time expires.

It doesn’t fall through.  Raiders pull off the victory 71-69!

With such a motivating ending how can the Raiders rebound on Saturday night against Corban University in Salem?

By outscoring and outsoaring the Warriors on a 42-20 second half en route to a 71-45 victory Saturday night.

Terriel Thomas dropped 12 points, had three assists and two steals in the game.  Junior Jeff Bush recorded a team high four assist and Struner had two blocks in the game.

Southern Oregon, whom improve to 2-0 in CCC play, will travel to Redding, California to play Simpson University next Saturday before returning to Bob Rheim Arena December 14th against rival-Eastern Oregon University.