Redding, Calif.- The Red Hawks men's basketball team were in action on Saturday night when they hosted the Pioneers from Pacific Union College. In a hard fought contest the Pioneers would earn their first conference win as they handed the Red Hawks a 2 point loss, 82-80.

The Red Hawks got off to a hot start as they would jump out to a 20-14 lead with 11:36 to play in the first half after a 3 pointer from Jacob Kaler.The Red Hawk lead would extend the lead to as many as 14 points when Kaler was at it again hitting a 3 to make it 44-30 with 1 minute to play and would carry a 12 point lead into the half time break, 44-32. Kaler led all scores in the half with 16 points.

In the second half the Pioneers would come storming back and erased the Red Hawk lead with 11:16 to play in the game with Devon Marshall's basket to tie it up at 54-54. Pioneer gaurd Jarron Crump would then take charge of the game and help take the lead for the Pioneers and would lead the Pioneers to a 9 point lead with 2:53 left in the game at 75-66. However, the Red Hawks would fight back when Marcus Kirkland would cut the lead down to 3 points with 13 seconds remaining. After a missed free throw from Pioneers Devon Marshall the Red Hawks would rebound and call a timeout with 8.1 seconds remaining. The ensuing inbound play would unfold like a nightmare for the Red Hawks as Kaler inbounded the ball to Kaler who's momentum would carry him toward the sideline and to the referee's eye on the line resulting in a turnover. The Red Hawks would send Crump to the line and he would make 1 of 2 to make the lead 4 points. Kirkland would score a basket as the buzzer sounded and the Pioneers would hold on for the 2 point victory.

Crump would lead all scorers with 26 points for the Pioneers. Devon Marshall would add 20 points and Taureaus Maxwell would have a double-double 12 points and 11 rebounds. As for the Red Hawks Marcus Kirkland would have an outstanding performance in the losing effort with 22 points, 5 assists and 5 rebounds. Kaler and Josh Brakkee would both add 19 points.

The Red Hawks will be in action on Saturday, January 30th when they host Embry-Ribble University at 6:30pm.