KIRKLAND – Northwest kept a loaded Texas-Permian Basin squad close in a 79-67 exhibition loss Friday.

After falling behind 11-2, the Eagles closed to within two points at the 13:32 mark on back-to-back baskets by Rayvaughn Bolton and CaCoa Chatman. The Falcons led by as many as 14 points in the first half, but the Eagles had cut the lead down to 37-28 at the half.

"We came out flat and a little unsure of ourselves, but once we realized how good we can be, we started playing better against a very efficient team," said NU Head Coach Jeff Drinkwine. "They took advantage of our mistakes. We will try to improve and be better next game."

UTPB led by 20 at a couple of points in the second half, but the Eagles closed out on a 10-2 run, including a pair of three-pointers by Devante Powell.

Chatman led the Eagles with 17 points, while Tanner Davis tacked on 11 points and a team-leading nine rebounds and five assists. Chatman was 4-of-5 at the three-point line.

Jordan Horn led the NCAA Division II Falcons with 19 points, and DaJuan Jones had a double-double with 12 points and 10 assists.

NU returns to action with a counting game Saturday at 3:30 p.m., hosting Puget Sound.