ASHLAND, Ore. — Eastern Oregon men's basketball team fell to Southern Oregon University, 83-69, in Cascade Collegiate Conference action on Friday night at Lithia Motors Pavilion.

The Mountaineers (13-6, 8-5 CCC) struggled to find their rhythm offensively, shooting just 35.3% from the field, while the Raiders (12-6, 7-5 CCC) capitalized on their opportunities, finishing at an efficient 50%.

Garrett Hawkes led EOU with 15 points and seven rebounds, hitting two three-pointers. Malachi Afework added 13 points, five of which came from the free-throw line, while Trent Rogers chipped in eight points off the bench. Eastern Oregon scored 44 second half points 39.4% shooting from the field, but it wasn't enough to overcome Southern Oregon's balanced attack.

The Raiders' Elijah Jackson paced all scorers with 18 points on 7-of-11 shooting, including three three-pointers. Bryce Dyer recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, and Mason Whittaker added 12 points off the bench. Southern Oregon's bench made a significant impact, contributing 37 points compared to EOU's 22.

Rebounding was a decisive factor, as SOU outrebounded EOU 45-37, including a 14-13 edge on the offensive glass. The Raiders also connected on 40.7% of their three-point attempts, while EOU managed just 28.6% from deep.

EOU trailed 31-25 at halftime but couldn't contain SOU's hot shooting in the second half, as the Raiders outscored the Mountaineers 52-44 over the final 20 minutes. 

The Mountaineers will look to bounce back on Saturday as they continue their road trip against Oregon Tech in Klamath Falls. Tipoff is set for 5:00 p.m.