SALT LAKE CITY – The EOU men's basketball team traveled to Salt Lake City on Friday to take part in its first game of the 2016 Griffin Classic against host Westminster College.
 
The Blue and Gold had a strong first stanza, taking a 52-44 lead into the locker room while senior forward Bryan McGriff led the way with 24 points.
 
However, the second half was a much different story for EOU (5-2), as Westminster (1-0), outscored the Mountaineers 43-32 on their way to an 87-84 heartbreaking victory.
 
With only 47 seconds left in the game, senior guard Kentrell Washington tied the game at 84 by splitting a pair of free throws. Twenty three seconds later, Westminster's Dayon Goodman delivered what would be the game-winning layup before a free throw from Zerrion Payton would add to the lead as the Blue and Gold found themselves down three with only five seconds left.
 
Washington looked to save the day for EOU by draining a game-tying three with two seconds left, however, the senior could not get the shot to fall. Washington finished the night with 17 points, while dishing out five assists and eight rebounds.
 
Offensively, McGriff led EOU with 29 points, however, the forward was held to only five points in the second half. The senior also nabbed four rebounds. Junior wing Austin Strock was also a key contributor scoring 10 points while grabbing six boards.
 
BY THE NUMBERS
 
46 – Points between McGriff and Washington.
75 – Combined rebounds between EOU and Westminster.
80 – Percent, shot Strock from field goal range.
 
 
UP NEXT
 
EOU takes on Cal Miramar in an exhibition and its second game of the Griffin Classic tomorrow at 4 p.m. M.T. in Salt Lake City.

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