PORTLAND, Ore. - Despite a hard-fought effort, the Evergreen State College Men's Basketball team faced a setback on the road, falling to the Warner Pacific Knights with a final score of 96 - 81. The Geoducks displayed resilience and notable performances, but the Knights ultimately secured the victory.

In the first half, Evergreen battled fiercely, scoring 33 points, but Warner Pacific managed to edge ahead with 44 points. The Geoducks came back with determination in the second half, posting an impressive 48 points. However, the Knights responded with 52 points, maintaining their lead and securing the win.

Elijah McLaughlin led the Geoducks with an outstanding performance on the court. McLaughlin showcased his scoring prowess, making 8 of his 16 attempted field goals, including 3 of 9 from beyond the arc. Additionally, he demonstrated accuracy at the free-throw line, sinking both attempts. McLaughlin's efforts contributed to a total of 21 points during his 35 minutes in play.

Deondre Russ displayed his scoring prowess as well, making 8 of his 13 attempted field goals and 2 of his 3 attempted three-point shots. Russ also added a free throw to his tally, accumulating 19 points over his 29 minutes on the court.

Jayden Upshaw played a pivotal role in Evergreen's efforts, making 5 of his 12 attempted field goals, 1 of his 2 attempted three-point shots, and showcasing efficiency at the free-throw line with 4 of 5 successful attempts. Upshaw contributed a total of 15 points during his 33 minutes in play.

Despite the loss, the Geoducks demonstrated tenacity and skill, showcasing the team's commitment to competing at a high level. The Evergreen community remains supportive as the team looks ahead to future opportunities to secure victories on the court. I hope you'll join me in following their journey at: www.gogeoducks.com.