GREAT FALLS, Mont. – Northwest scored 104 points but could not get key stops in a 112-104 loss at Providence Saturday.

Jase Paulsen and Christian Hakilimali had career bests with 20 and 19 points, respectively. Providence is the No. 12 team in NAIA Division I. 

Hussayn Ford started a new double-double streak with 15 points and 11 rebounds, Ryan Ricks scored 14, and Tanner Davis finished with 13 points. 

The Eagles shot the three-pointers well, hitting 18 of 28 for 64.3 percent. Hakilimali hit all five of his attempts, and Paulsen sank six of his nine tries. The team output was the most since the Eagles hit 18 against Multnomah in 2016.

"Our guys continue to compete," said NU Head Coach Jeff Drinkwine. "It's day 3 of a long road trip and to still come out and have a chance to win says something about these young men. Providence is ranked in the top 25. Northern is, too. We were right there. We just need to overcome this and keep pushing forward."

Hakilimali had eight assists in the game.

The teams were tied 52-52 at the half, but the Argos pushed out to a 64-55 lead four minutes into the second half.

Cesar Sandoval knocked down a three to bring the Eagles to within 83-82, but UP kept the lead and built it to 90-84 with 7:02 remaining.

Ricks hit a three-pointer, and Tanner Davis scored in the paint to make it a 90-89 game with 5:59 left, but again the Argos built the lead, this time to seven points. 

Paulsen drained a three-pointer to make it a one-possession game, 100-97, with 2:35 to go but could not get stops or many answers from there. Providence scored on four of its next five possessions to hold on to the lead.

The Eagles head home from Montana at 4-3 with a trip to Tacoma to play Puget Sound Saturday at 3 p.m.