KIRKLAND, Wash. – Friday evening's matchup between the Corban University men's basketball team and Northwest University was not about a final result; instead, it was about the beginning of a new era, and a huge first step in what has been an unconventional and challenging 2020-21 season for the program.

Corban fell to the Eagles by a tally of 75-71, but beyond the final score, the Warriors felt as if they walked away with a significant victory by making their long-anticipated return to the court after months of scheduling challenges related to COVID-19.

"This is such incredible momentum for our program and our players," said head coach Taylor Kelly, who coached in his first game as the captain of the Warriors' storied men's basketball team. "It was a huge blessing to be able to lace it up under all of the circumstances our guys have endured, one our players did not take for granted."

Corban faced off with Northwest despite having little opportunity to practice inside a gymnasium—due to Marion County guidelines related to COVID-19—since the pandemic began in March. Northwest is able to compete within King County guidelines, however, and with extensive testing measures taken by both squads, the Warriors were afforded a valuable opportunity to safely play against the Eagles up in Kirkland.

The game was close from start to finish, as the largest deficit of the game was just eight, and the Warriors kept within striking distance for the entire contest.

Knotted up at 24 with just over a minute left before the midway mark, Northwest sank a couple of crucial baskets to take a four-point advantage into the half (28-24). The Warriors would make multiple runs at that lead in the second half, even leading with as few as four minutes left to play, but in the end, the hometown Eagles were able to endure Corban's comeback attempts and preserve the triumph.

Kendall Moore was electric in his Navy and Gold debut, going 7-of-14 from the field en route to a game-high 20 points. The sophomore guard also grabbed five rebounds and dished out four assists.

Veteran Mauricio Smith shows few signs of rust, ending the night with 12 points (3-of-9 FG) and a team-best six rebounds. Big man Isiah Quintero also ended the night in double figures, showcasing his usual efficiency at the rim with 10 points on 4-of-5 shooting.

Newcomer Mateo Escheik provided a valuable spark off the bench, scoring 11 points in just 16 minutes.

"I thought the gratitude showed through in how hard our guys played and how tough they competed," added Kelly. "Warrior Nation has a lot to be excited about as we continue to grow as a basketball family!"

For Northwest, Daniel Sharpe (17 points, 7-of-12 FG, seven rebounds) headlined a balanced offensive effort, which featured five players—Sharpe, Cacoa Chatman (13 points), Cesar Sandoval (12 points), Kelvin Omojola (10 points), Pa'Treon Lee (10 points)—with double-digit scoring.

Corban (0-1) will have another shot at Northwest tomorrow, tipping off at 4:30 p.m. in a second-straight game against the Eagles.