EUGENE, Ore. – Michael Loomis had 29 points and 16 rebounds to lead the Northwest Christian University men's basketball team to a 97-91 victory over the No. 23-ranked Raiders of Southern Oregon on Friday night in the Morse Event Center.
 
NCU (7-8, 3-5 CCC) shot .425 from the field for the game, including a .486 effort in the second half to aid in their comeback over SOU. The Beacons hit 27 of their 31 free-throws, taking advantage of all their opportunities in the game.
 
The Raiders jumped out to an early advantage going ahead 16-6 just four minutes into the game. SOU held a double-digit lead for much of the next ten minutes, staying out-front of the Beacons with their fast-paced attack.
 
NCU found an answer late in the first half, scoring eight unanswered to bring them within three points, 34-31, with 4:31 to play in the half. SOU went into the break with a three-point advantage at 42-39.
 
SOU came out of the break hot after the intermission, again building their lead to double-digits at the 14-minute mark on a three-pointer from Tate Hoffman, 58-48. The Beacons would again make their way back into the contest, as Tyrus Hosley hit a free-throw to finish a four-point play to tie the score at 64-64 with 11:19 on the clock.
 
The teams traded baskets for the next four minutes, bringing the game to its fifth tie score, 73-73 with just under eight minutes remaining in the contest. Hosley made it seven points in a row, hitting another three-pointer with 6:36 remaining to put his team out in front for good. NCU hit 11 free-throws in the final three minutes of play to ice the game and secure the upset.
 
Hosley finished the game with 18 points, sinking four of his six three point attempts, leading the Beacons bench in scoring. Spencer Mattox (pictured) also scored 18 and collected six rebounds. Davonte Cleveland ten and Reece Robinson posted eight points and seven boards on the night.
 
All five of the Raiders starters finished in double-figures. Jordan Hunt led the way with 23 points, ten boards and three steals. Ben Desaulnier was second in line with 20 points and eight boards. Tate Hoffman chipped in 17 and Kenny Meyer scored 13 to go with his game-high eight assists.
 
Both teams return to the hardwood tomorrow night for conference action. Northwest Christian hosts another top-25 opponent in the No. 20 ranked Oregon Tech Owls, while Southern Oregon seeks to rebound with a clash with the Corban Warriors. Both games are scheduled for 7:30 starts.