LA GRANDE, Ore. – Eastern Oregon University claimed an 87-82 victory over NCU on Saturday night in a closely fought contest.
 
The Mounties built up an early 18-8 lead but didn't see another double-digit lead after 21-11 as the Beacons fought back on multiple occasions. Davonte Cleveland closed the first half with five straight points as NCU brought it to within 39-35 at halftime.
 
NCU snagged their first lead of the contest at 69-68 after a pair of free-throws from Jacob Plunkett with 7:18 remaining. Over the next three minutes the lead changed hands three times and the teams were knotted at 75-75 with four minutes left.
 
Eastern hit four free-throws over their next two possessions and after a Beacon turnover, Jarek Schetzle's slam dunk with 2:31 to play gave the home team a six-point advantage. NCU brought it back to within one as Tyrus Hosley (pictured) scored a triple and an inside-jumper, but the final minute saw the Mounties go 6-for-6 at the free-throw line to seal the victory.
 
The Beacons (15-6, 7-4) were led by Hosley and Austin Tyner who each scored 22 points. Cleveland came off the bench to add 15 points and went 8-for-8 from the free-throw line as NCU were 19-for-20 at the charity stripe as a unit.
 
The Mounties (12-10, 8-4) shot 53% from the field and out-rebounded the Beacons 46-22, winning despite 22 turnovers. Schetzle led the team with 25 points while Landon Jones scored 20 points and 11 rebounds. Jordan May went 10-for-10 at the free-throw line, hitting eight in the final five minutes, and finished the night with 19 points.
 
NCU will return to action on Friday night, coming home to play host to Northwest University at 7:30 pm.