LA GRANDE, Ore.  – The most demanding road trip of the season proved fruitless for No. 7 Northwest Christian University as they were defeated by No. 16 Eastern Oregon on Saturday evening, 89-82.
 
The combatants had ten lead changes and were tied ten times in a game that saw NCU shoot just 53% from the free-throw line and get out-rebounded 50-37.
 
After Eastern took a 40-38 lead at half-time, The Mounties were never quite able to shake the NCU attack. The Beacons deficit stayed at five or less for most of the second half and each time it expanded, NCU reeled it back in with big shots.
 
The tenth and final tie of the game came with 4:16 to play as Jack Hackman hit a three-pointer to make it 70-70. Over the next few minutes EOU added free-throws to their tally, building a four-point lead. A three-pointer by Travis Meeker soon gave the home team a seven point lead which stretched to an 83-74 edge with under a minute remaining.
 
The nine-point disadvantage didn't scare off the Beacons. Jay Mayernik completed a three-point play on the next possession, making it a six-point game with 40 seconds remaining. A quick foul sent Bryan McGriff to the line for the Mounties where he made one-of-two.
 
NCU came down quickly and with 30 seconds remaining, Brock Rice hit a three-pointer to pull the Beacons within 84-80. EOU immediate coughed up the ball on a steal by Brendyn Taylor who soon scored a tip-in after Rice missed his next attempt from distance.
 
Down 84-82 with 20 seconds to play, the Beacons still had to foul and Eastern went 5-for-6 at the line to close out the victory.
 
EOU (12-2, 4-0 CCC) was led by McGriff who scored 23 points, 15 rebounds, and three blocks, all game-highs. Blake O'Donnell came off the bench to add 17 while Meeker, Kentrell Washington, and Austin Winegar each scored nine.
 
The Beacons (8-3, 2-2) had 18 points each from Mayernik and Kenny Blackwell (pictured). Mayernik added eight rebounds. Taylor scored 17 points and led all players with four steals.
 
NCU will be looking to get back into the win column on Tuesday night as they return home to face Corban University at 7:30 p.m.