On November 14th Tim Weber recorded the first triple-double during SOU basketball coach Brian McDermott’s 19 year career. A mere 11 days later, Weber did it again, with his second triple-double in only a three game span. During the same game, Eric Thompson scored 25 points in a record-breaking performance which saw him break SOU’s all-time career scoring record. Thompson has had an incredibly hot start to the season, scoring over 20 points every game thus far, and 25 points in four out of the five games this season.
Not all of the weekend was positive, however. The 10th Ranked team in NAIA division I, Hope Intern ional, defeated SOU despite Eric Thompson’s regular 20 point contribution. Tim Weber racked up 15 points, with Jordan West scoring 12 more for SOU on Friday night. Thompson’s sole 3-pointer of the game, tied the Raiders and Lions 22-all. Hope then took off on a 15-7 run, leading by 19 points in the second half. There was not a whole lot the Raiders did well during the game as a whole, as they would end up losing to the Lions 70-55. SOU shot just 3-for-16 from the three-point line, and managed only 14-of-24 free throws.
The Raiders bounced back the following day, Saturday, the 15th defeating the 17th-ranked Arizona Christian Firestorm, 84-72. Backed by a much more impressive offensive showing, SOU shot 53% from the field with the Firestorm shooting only 39% throughout the game. Eric Thompson himself shot 10-for-15 from the field, the 6-foot-8 forward also went 5-for-7 from 3-point land. Tim Weber, while his mustache was sorely missed, his offensive wizardry was on display for everyone to see, netting his aforementioned triple-double. Jordan West contributed 17 points and six boards, while Jacob Kaler chipped in another 10 points towards the win Saturday afternoon.
The Raiders will continue on their 10-game stretch played exclusively away from home against William Jessup University in Klamath Falls on the 21st. The next time you can catch the Raiders back at Riehm Arena will be December 19th when they face off against Eastern Oregon University.
