LEWISTON, Idaho – The Eastern Oregon (RV) Men's Basketball team came up just short in a tightly contested road battle against (RV) Lewis-Clark State College, falling 77–73 in a game that wasn't decided until the final seconds.
From the opening tip, the contest was a back-and-forth affair, with neither team able to create much separation. Eastern generated slightly more scoring opportunities in the first half, but Lewis-Clark's efficiency proved the difference, as the Warriors shot 1.7% better from the field and connected on two more three-pointers than the Mounties. Both teams were active in the paint, where Eastern held a 22–16 scoring edge.
Lewis-Clark opened the game on a quick 5–0 run before the Mounties settled in. Behind seven early points from
Trent Rogers, Eastern surged ahead midway through the half and built an eight-point lead. The Warriors responded steadily, chipping away over the final minutes and ultimately carrying a narrow two-point advantage into halftime.
The second half mirrored the first, with momentum swinging possession by possession. The teams traded baskets through the opening seven minutes before Lewis-Clark briefly stretched its lead to six. Eastern answered with a foul that sent
Keilan Torkornoo to the line for three free throws, followed by a jumper from
James Bodily to cut the deficit to one. The Mounties stayed within striking distance down the stretch and found themselves trailing by just two with 41 seconds remaining.
Late free throws proved decisive. A foul in the final moments—one that drew some disagreement—sent the Warriors to the line, where they extended the lead to four with just four seconds left, effectively sealing the outcome.
Eastern placed four players in double figures, led by
James Bodily's 18 points on an efficient 58.3% shooting performance.
Keilan Torkornoo added 14 points while also grabbing six rebounds and a steal.
Porter Abrams made his presence felt on the glass with nine rebounds and added a steal.
Lewis-Clark was paced by Dylan Skaife, who finished with a game-high 22 points on 58.3% shooting, knocking down five three-pointers and going a perfect 3-for-3 from the free-throw line.
With the loss, Eastern drops from first place in the CCC standings and is now tied for fourth with Lewis-Clark. Both teams sit at 9–3 in conference play as the race tightens heading into the back stretch of the season.
The Mountaineers return home to host The College of Idaho on Tuesday, January 27, in Quinn Coliseum at 7:30 PM.
