EUGENE — The South Eugene boys basketball team jumped out to a 10-0 lead to begin a Southwest Conference game against the Roseburg Indians Friday at the Purple Pit.
That was just the start as the Axe led wire-to-wire and overpowered Roseburg in a 96-86 win.
The Indians were unable to overcome the early deficit, which South Eugene stretched to as much as 21 points in the first half. Roseburg (13-9, 5-5 SWC) rallied behind Mykah Mendoza in the second half and cut the lead to single digits, but just couldn’t stack enough defensive stops to finish off the comeback.
Mendoza netted a season-high 38 points to lead all-scorers in the game. The senior took over in the second half with 28 points, including three 3-point field goals in the third quarter.
Owen Bentea tied his career-high with 26 points. The junior sank six 3-pointers and was 4-for-4 at the free throw line.
Despite the strong second half for Mendoza and Bentea, the Indians couldn’t stop South Eugene junior Levi Hawes.
The 6-foot-4 big man found plenty of opportunities in the paint and led South Eugene (12-11, 6-4) with 30 points. Hawes was 8-for-10 at the free throw line and made 11 field goals from inside the arc.
Senior Trey Saunders hit five 3-point shots and added 25 points for the Axe.
South Eugene claimed sole possession of second place in the SWC with the victory. Roseburg fell into fourth place with the loss.
The Indians play their final road game of the regular season at 6:45 p.m. Tuesday at Grants Pass High School.
ROSEBURG (86) — Mykah Mendoza 38, Lopez 12, Vredenburg 8, Bingham, Ash 2, Bentea 26, McCurdy, Bosley, Luther, MacLean, Akers. Totals 29 13-14 86.
SOUTH EUGENE (96) — Levi Hawes 30, Thurman 8, Bryant 11, Saunders 25, Thomas, Cacioppi, Perry 9, Yoder 13, Knight. Totals 36 11-18 96.
Roseburg;9;25;24; 28;—;86
S. Eugene;21;30;21;24;—;96
3-Point Goals — Rose. 15 (Bentea 6, Lopez 4, Mendoza 3, Vredenburg 2), S.E. 13 (Saunder 5, Perry 3, Thurman 2, Bryant 2, Yoder 1). Total Fouls — Rose. 14, S.E. 13.
JV Score — South Eugene 76, Roseburg 60.
