The Eastern Wyoming College men's basketball team climbed out of an early hole only to be edged out in the final minute by Central Wyoming.

The Lancers lost 76-70 at Central Wyoming Saturday afternoon after putting themselves in a position to win the game in crunch time. 

Sophomore Jonatan Arvidsson tied the game at 70-70 with 1:12 to play with a scoop layup down the right side of the lane. Central scored on its next possession following a timeout and the Lancers were unable to answer despite some second-chance opportunities at their basket.

Eastern's 68-67 lead with 2:39 to play seemed unlikely when they were down 33-16 with seven minutes left in the first half. But the Lancers never relented and a 17-0 run tied the game at 33-33. 

Sophomore Alexander Karras started the run with a corner 3-pointer off the feed from a driving Earl Baker Jr. Karras hit another three, this time from the other corner, and later drew a charge that led to two free throws by sophomore David Höök. Hook also completed a successful and-one opportunity earlier. Arvidsson contributed a driving layup and capped off the run with two free throws. 

Seven of the Lancers' 17 consecutive points came at the free throw line.  

The Lancers were down 40-36 at halftime but found themselves again trailing by double digits early in the second half. A 9-2 by the Rustlers put EWC down 49-38, but once again EWC found it within them to battle back.

A Karl Drammeh free throw with 8:22 to play tied the game at 56-56, and the Lancers never again trailed by more than two possessions. 

Sophomore Sam Tiley hit two free throws with 3:46 to play to give the Lancers' their first lead of the night and spark a string of lead changes on three of the next four possessions. 

Stats will be made available as soon as possible. 

The Lancers host Western Nebraska at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, a game that was originally scheduled for November 26 but was postponed due to weather.