LA GRANDE, Ore. - In a game that came down to the final seconds, Eastern Oregon University (13-7, 8-6 CCC) narrowly fell to Oregon Tech (15-4, 11-2 CCC) by a score of 85-84 at Danny Miles Court on Saturday evening.

The Mountaineers showcased an efficient offensive effort, shooting 54.8% from the field. Garrett Hawkes led Eastern Oregon with a game-high 26 points, including two clutch three-pointers. Malachi Afework followed with 25 points, highlighted by an efficient 10-14 shooting from the field. Jaden Hansen filled the stat sheet with 9 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds.

For Oregon Tech, Blake Jensen sealed the game by converting two free throws with just two seconds remaining. Jensen finished with 15 points and 7 rebounds. Jamison Guerra contributed 15 points and dished out a team-high 5 assists, while Kam Osborn led the team in scoring with 18 points.

The first half saw both teams trading leads in a tightly contested matchup. The teams were tied at 41 apiece at halftime. Eastern Oregon controlled the paint, outscoring Oregon Tech 48-24 in that area, but the Owls stayed competitive with their proficiency at the free-throw line, converting 29-of-34 attempts (85.3%).

In the final moments, Afework's layup with 14 seconds left gave Eastern Oregon an 84-83 lead. However, Jensen's calmness at the charity stripe allowed the Owls to regain the lead for good. 

Eastern Oregon will look to bounce back when they next travel to Salem, Ore. to face the Corban University Warriors on January 31st.