LAS VEGAS, Nev. – The Eastern Oregon University men's basketball team overcame a 12-point halftime deficit against No. 4 Arizona Christian, but the Mountaineers ultimately dropped an 83-81 decision in overtime on Friday night at the Las Vegas Classic. 

"We started out slow in the first half," said head men's basketball coach Jared Barrett. "In the second half, we relaxed and played our game. A few less mental mistakes or a few more made free throws, and it's our game. We are still learning and getting better every night out."

Junior guard Kentrell Washington continued to put forth a balanced effort on both ends of the hardwood, tallying 23 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Mountaineers. Senior guard Case Rada drilled four three's and added 19 points, while sophomore guard Tate de Laveaga chipped in 10 points and seven boards.

EOU coughed up a season-high 27 turnovers in the defeat, ultimately resulting in 23 Firestorm points.

The Navy and Gold (46.7 percent) outshot Arizona Christian (39.7 percent), but the Mountaineers were just 17-for-35 (48.6 percent) from the charity stripe.

Arizona Christian, a Phoenix-based NAIA Division I institution, were led by Chris Sterling's 23 points and six rebounds.

EOU will square off against Vanguard tomorrow afternoon in Las Vegas at 2 p.m.