EUGENE, Ore. – The Northwest Christian University men's basketball team dropped a Cascade Collegiate Conference game to Southern Oregon University on Sunday evening, 92-86. It was SOU's first victory over the Beacons since December of 2015.
 
The Beacons trailed by as many as 16 points in the second half but brought it down to just a two-point deficit before the Raiders hung on for the win.
 
Southern Oregon (19-9, 13-5 CCC) shot 55% from the field while out-rebounding the Beacons 42-28. NCU shot 45% and hit 11 three-pointers but couldn't capitalize on 16 SOU turnovers.
 
The Beacons (11-13, 7-10) were led by Davonte Cleveland (pictured), scoring 26 points as he shot 9-for-10 from the field, adding four steals. Michael Loomis scored 14, all in the second half and led the team with seven rebounds, five assists and four steals. Spencer Mattox scored 13 and Kenny Blackwell came off the bench to add 13 as the NCU reserves out-scored the Raider bench, 27-5.
 
Southern Oregon had all five starters score in double-figures including a team-high 23 from Tate Hoffman. Tristen Holmes and Ben DeSaulnier posted 19 points each with Holmes leading all players with ten rebounds and seven assists.
 
The Beacons have clinched a berth in the CCC post-season and they know they will be traveling for their first-round game next Wednesday. A big decisive factor in where NCU ends up takes place this Wednesday as they play host to Corban University at 7:30 pm. The Warriors are currently one game ahead of the Beacons for sixth-place in the conference.