Kirkland, WA - The Northwest men's basketball team fought like gladiators against Southern Oregon but ended up just short 80-76. 

There's been a new spark igniting in the Eagles' game. The team has been keeping up with the likes of Corban, Walla Walla and their most recent opponent LC State despite the depleted roster. The Eagles next opponent was the Raiders, a team that thrives on the rebound and stands with a 13-7 overall record and a 8-6 conference record. 

This game featured seven lead changes from each side as neither team could shake each other off by more than seven points. The first half ended with the Raiders on the slight edge 36-34, but the Eagles were the more consistent team offensively. Compared to the Raiders 38.2% and 36.8% beyond the three-point line, the Eagles shot for 46.4% and impressed with 53.8% from the three point line. 

The second half was near deadlock as both the Eagles and Raiders shot 16 of 34 (47.1%) and while the Eagles had the upper hand from the three point line - 22.2% to 18.2%, the difference came down to the finer details. The Eagles committed 11 personal fouls in the second half, which allowed the Raiders to convert when they needed to. The Raiders splashed 10 of 13 shots which was just enough to give the Raiders the four-point win over the Eagles. 

Nash Wobrock led the team in points with 19 points while Ethan Martin followed up behind him with 16 points. 

"Couldn't ask for more from our guys," said Head Coach Rick Skeen. "Sickness ran through the team, so we had to play short handed and some guys answered the bell sick. We played a very good team; very tight. Proud of how hard our guys are competing at this point in the season. Just came up short."