GREAT FALLS, Mont. – The University of Providence men's basketball program defeated Northwest University 76-72 Friday afternoon.

The Argos (4-4) scored the first points of the game behind a pair of free throws from senior Mike Wright Jr. and following a basket from the Eagles (1-7), a jumper from senior Nikolajs Atanasovs put UP ahead 4-2.

The Eagles answered with an 11-2 run to take a seven-point lead, but an 11-0 run from the Argos put UP ahead 23-18 midways through the first half.

Both teams would trade baskets the rest of the half, but a late burst by the Eagles in the final three minutes put Northwest ahead 42-41 heading into the break.  

The second half would see ties at 45, 48, and 50 before a three-pointer by senior Jami Bowles and a layup from Boyd Jr., put UP in front 55-50.

The Eagles slowly cut into the lead tying the game 59, and after runs from both teams, a layup from Atanasovs tied the game at 72 with just over three minutes remaining.

Each team would have a chance for the lead, but a three-pointer from Wright Jr. put UP ahead 75-72 with a minute remaining.

Despite the Eagles having a chance for the tie with 20 seconds left, the Argos defense stood tall as UP defeated Northwest University 76-72.

Antoine Boyd Jr. led the way with 16 points and Mike Wright Jr. and Jamil Bowles added 15 apiece.

The Argos will be back in action Sunday, Dec. 15 for their first game of the Cactus Classic in Chandler, Ariz. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. (MST) versus Embry-Riddle.