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Eastern Washington nips UNC men

Published February 21, 2009 at 10:44 p.m.
Updated February 21, 2009 at 10:44 p.m.

CHENEY, Wash. — Benny Valentine scored eight points in the final three minutes, including two foul shots with 8.6 seconds left, to give Eastern Washington a 60-59 victory against Northern Colorado on Saturday night.

Valentine finished with 18 points for the Eagles (12-15, 6-9 Big Sky Conference).

Will Figures scored 14 points to lead Northern Colorado (12-17, 6-8).

Trailing 58-57 with 10.8 seconds left, Northern Colorado had an opportunity to win it, but point guard John Pena was called for an offensive foul, giving the ball back to Eastern.

Valentine was fouled on that possession and made his free-throw attempts, making it 60-57.

Northern Colorado tried to get free for a game-tying three at the end, but it settled for Neal Kingman’s layup as time expired.

Eastern Washington led by as many as 10 points in the second half.

Adris DeLeon added 16 points and five assists for Eastern Washington, which kept the Bears in the game by getting outrebounded 34-24.

Pena had 12 points and Jabril Banks 11 scored points off the bench for Northern Colorado.

The late foul call against Pena sent coach Tad Boyle into a fury. He wasn’t penalized, but after the game, a screaming Boyle chased the officials across the floor before being restrained.

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