EUGENE, Ore. - Kentrell Blackwell hit a three-pointer at the buzzer, and the Eastern Oregon University men's basketball team suffered a 68-67 defeat at the hands of Northwest Christian (NCU) on Saturday night. 

Key Performances
Junior guard Kentrell Washington posted his 13th double-double of the year with 16 points and 13 rebounds, while senior center Kalvin Johanson added 16 points on a perfect 7-for-7 shooting from the field. Meanwhile, senior guard Case Rada added 15 points and four assists.

Austin Kuemper led four players in double figures for NCU with 17 points and five rebounds.

The Storyline
EOU led for a majority of the first half, as the Mountaineers overcame an early four-point deficit to build a 16-13 advantage after Rada netted a layup with 8:53 left in the half.

A three by Javonte Byrd ignited a 22-9 Beacon run to close the stanza, and NCU took a 35-25 lead into the locker room.

After falling behind by as many as 15 (46-31) with 16:05 left, Washington, Rada, and Johanson combined for 24 points amidst a 30-14 run, as Washington's layup put the Mountaineers up, 61-60, with 4:12 left in the game.

With the Beacons (9-4, 3-1 CCC) up, 65-63, Rada drilled a three with 16 seconds remaining to give EOU a one-point lead. On the ensuing possession, Kenny Blackwell missed a runner in the lane, and after Washington went 1-for-2 at the line, the Mountaineers held on to a two-point (67-65) lead.

With just six seconds left, Kuemper found Blackwell for the three-pointer at the buzzer to doom the Mountaineers, 68-67.

Stat of the Game
2 – EOU hit just two three's in the game, a season-low for the Mountaineers.

Up Next
The Mountaineers (6-8, 2-2 CCC) return to the hardwood on Dec. 30 against Northwest. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.