TACOMA, Washington – Stellan Roberts nearly hit another miraculous game-winning shot at the buzzer, but his heave rimmed out and the Puget Sound men's basketball team lost to Whitworth, 81-79, in Memorial Fieldhouse Friday night.

Whitworth (14-4, 8-1 NWC) was at the free-throw line for two attempts and a two-point lead with one second left in regulation. The Pirate missed both attempts and gave the Loggers (9-9, 3-6 NWC) a glimmer of hope. The rebound hit the middle of the key, where it was scooped up by Roberts. The senior launched a 75-foot desperation shot, which hit the backboard and the back rim on the ether end of the floor.

Roberts finished the game with his third double-double of the season, amassing 18 points and 10 rebounds. Cal Hansen had 17 points and eight boards, while John Misel added 16 points. Jourdan Joseph also scored in double figures with 11 points.

The Loggers held a 42-41 lead at halftime, and the back-and-forth action continued throughout the second half. Neither team led by more than four points in the final 20 minutes.

Whitworth had a 54-50 lead when Joseph hit a 3-pointer to make it a one-point game with 12:43 on the clock. Following a defensive stop, Roberts followed with a trey of his own to give the Loggers a 56-54 edge.

The Pirates tied the game at 56-56, but Joseph stayed hot a buried another 3-pointer.

The game was tied with less than 90 second remaining when Whitworth earned a trip to the free-throw line. The Pirates connected on both with a 79-77 advantage, and the Loggers did not have an answer. Puget Sound then intentionally sent Whitworth to the free-throw line. Although the Pirates left the door open by missing a few free-throws, they made up for it by gathering a couple of big offensive boards.

The Loggers return to action Saturday, Feb. 1, when they host Whitman at 6 p.m.