OLYMPIA, Wash. - In an intense and closely contested home game, the Evergreen State College Men's Basketball team faced the Northwest University Eagles, resulting in a hard-fought 73-79 loss. The Geoducks displayed resilience and fought till the end against a formidable opponent.

The first half saw a competitive battle, with Northwest University taking a slight lead by scoring 43 points, while Evergreen posted 35. Despite the deficit, the Geoducks showcased determination and strategic play, setting the stage for an exciting second half. In the second half, both teams continued to trade baskets, with the Eagles scoring 36 points and the Geoducks responding with 38. The back-and-forth nature of the game kept fans on the edge of their seats as both teams fought for control.

Individual standout performances added to the excitement of the game. Deondre Russ led the Geoducks with an impressive 15 points during his 24 minutes on the court. Russ's efficiency, making 5 out of 8 attempted field goals, and a perfect 5 out of 5 from the free-throw line, showcased his scoring prowess.

Jayden Upshaw contributed 12 points during his 27 minutes on the court, making 5 out of 16 attempted field goals and sinking 2 out of 6 attempted three-point shots. Upshaw's versatility and scoring ability were evident in his performance.

Elijah McLaughlin added 11 points during his 30 minutes on the court, making 4 out of 8 attempted field goals and connecting on 3 out of 5 attempted three-point shots. McLaughlin's sharpshooting from beyond the arc contributed to the Geoducks' offensive efforts.

Despite the final score, the Geoducks' performance drew praise for their tenacity and determination. The close nature of the game highlighted the competitive spirit of both teams, making it an exciting contest for fans in attendance.

Under the leadership of Head Coach Cam Swanson, the Evergreen Men's Basketball team will use this experience as a learning opportunity and continue to refine their strategies for future challenges. Fans and supporters can anticipate continued growth and competitive performances as the Geoducks navigate the remainder of the season with resilience and teamwork. I hope you'll join me in following their journey at: www.gogeoducks.com.