PORTLAND – Mountaineer Men's Basketball picked up a nail-biting win Friday night, taking down Multnomah University 80-77 on the road. The win gives Eastern Oregon the regular season sweep of the Lions, while improving the team's record to 17-12 overall and 11-10 in conference play.

How it Happened
• Both teams shot over 40% in the back-and-forth affair, with EOU having the edge at 45.9%-43.1%. The Lions (13-16, 9-12 CCC) shot 10-34 from deep (29.4%), while EOU went 7-22 (31.8%).
• Eastern won the rebounding battle, 42-39, while the MU reserves outscored the Mounties bench 13-11. 
• Helping the Lions stay in the game was the free throw line. They put up 18 shots at the charity stripe, compared to just six by EOU. However, Eastern finished 5-6 while MU went 11-18.
• The game was low scoring through the first five minutes as the two squads were locked in an 8-all tie to start. EOU managed to jump ahead by seven, 15-9, with 12:56 left to play in the half.
• The quick surge by EOU made no difference as the Lions responded to tie the game at 15-15 midway through the first half. Neither team led by more than two possessions the rest of the frame.
• EOU led by three, 26-23, with just over six minutes to play before MU answered. The Lions went ahead 28-26, but EOU answered the rally to tie the game at 28-all.
• In the final five minutes, the Lions grabbed a five-point lead, 35-30. Eastern used quick shots to get back into the game and a made shot in the final minute gave them a 39-38 lead at the break.
• In the second half, EOU once again outscored MU to escape with the win. Through the entire second half, it was a 1-2 possession game and came down to the wire.
• Through the first 10 minutes of the second half, the Mounties managed to lead by five a few times. They grabbed their largest lead of six points 58-52, with 10:15 to play in the game.
• The Lions responded and tied the game at 60-all with 8:28 left to go in regulation. The two squads then traded buckets the rest of the way, setting up a tight finish for the fans.
• Eastern went ahead by three, 78-75, with 47 seconds left on the clock. The Lions then nailed a jumper on the ensuing possession to get within one 78-77.
• Despite their best efforts, MU never scored again. EOU tacked on two free throws in the final 15 seconds before a blocked shot by the defense ended the Lions hopes of forcing overtime.

Mountaineers Stat Leaders
• Phillip Malatare had a double-double with a game-high 28 points and 14 rebounds. 
• Xavier Lovelace also had a double-double, notching 18 points to go along with 11 boards.
• Preston Chandler added 11 points on 5-8 shooting.
• Zane Wright scored 10 points in the win.

For Lions
• Tyrese Taylor posted a double-double, leading the team with 26 points and 12 rebounds.
• Zach Richardson scored 15 points and dished out five assists.
• Terin Johnson also had 15 points to go along with six rebounds and four blocks.
• Taylor Peppinger chipped in 11 points in the loss.

By the Numbers
8 - Eastern has won the last eight overall match-ups against Multnomah.
5 - The Mounties have also won the last five road games against the Lions.
3 - Phillip Malatare notched his third double-double of the season.
5 - Xavier Lovelace notched his fifth double-double of the season.

Up Next
• EOU finishes regular season play tomorrow, Feb. 19, against Warner Pacific University. Tip-off against the Knights is set for 5 p.m. PT.

FOLLOW EOU ATHLETICS