TEMPLE TERRACE, Fla. — The Eastern Oregon University men’s basketball team battled out two closely contested games in Florida this week.

The Mountaineers managed to get their entire roster experience in a narrow defeat to the University of Fort Lauderdale in an exhibition on Wednesday, December 21. The following day, the Mountaineers lost a narrow defeat to Florida College by a score of 80-77.

Eastern Oregon 70, University of Fort Lauderdale 72

Eastern Oregon started its trip to Florida with an exhibition against Fort Lauderdale that ended in a 72-70 loss.

Adam Orr was the highlight for the Mountaineers, leading the team with 15 points and six boards — he converted five three-pointers in the first half. Garrett Hawkes added 13 points, hitting three three-pointers.

The Eagles of Fort Lauderdale saw three players score in double figures, led by Vugar Kuliev with 13.

Eastern Oregon managed to play all 15 of its players in an experience-driven exhibition.

Eastern Oregon 77, Florida College 80

In the second game of a back-to-back, the Mountaineers narrowly lost to Florida College by a score of 80-77.

The first half was neck-and-neck, with Eastern Oregon leading by as much as four points midway through the frame. Both teams exchanged the lead seven times, but Florida College began to hold a slim lead for most of the game and led by as much as six points halfway through the second half. The Mountaineers went into halftime trailing 44-41.

The second half was much of the same, as both teams scored 36 points. Garrett Hawkes scored 11 second-half points in an attempt to make a late push. Eastern Oregon clawed within one point (77-78) with 10 seconds remaining, but Florida College sunk two free throws and held on to win 80-77.

Hawkes was the leading scorer for Eastern Oregon, scoring 21 points off 8-21 shooting from the field — he added seven rebounds and five assists in a well-rounded effort. Brennan Newsom (12), Adam Orr (10), and Malachi Afework (10) all scored in double figures.

Florida College’s Tyshon Judge was difficult to stop, as he finished with 29 points off 11-16 shooting from the field.

After seven straight road games, Eastern Oregon will have eight days off before finally returning home to Quinn Coliseum in La Grande. The Mountaineers are scheduled to host the College of Idaho at 5 p.m. on Dec. 30.