CLEVELAND, Ohio – La Roche men's basketball closed its opening season road trip against Case Western Reserve on Wednesday night, but fell short against the Spartans, 84-74 in the second game of the year against an opponent either ranked or receiving votes in the national poll.

It was another early game defensive battle for the Redhawks, as they sat tied with Case, 9-9 in the first 7:20 of play.

A 7-1 run by the Spartans followed to lead 16-10, but La Roche would fight throughout the remainder of the opening half, tying the game on three separate occasions, including 31-31 with 2:16 to go, but saw themselves just behind at the break, 38-33.

Out of the half, the red and black tied the game at 40-40 with a strong opening spurt, but an 11-2 spurt by Case Western pushed the deficit to nine at 51-42.

The Redhawks charged back, scoring 11 of the next 15 points at were behind by just two, 55-53 with 8:59 remaining in the game.

Unfortunately for the red and black, over the next 4:08, the Spartans pushed forward, opening a double-digit lead of 11 at 72-61 and never allowed La Roche to come back within seven to seal the victory.

For the game, the Redhawks finished going 30-for-66 (44.8%) from the floor and 8-for-27 (29.6%) from three. From the foul line, they capitalized on six of nine attempts (66.7%).

On the other side, Case Western finished 30-for-68 (44.1%) from the field, 7-for-28 (25%) from deep, but got to the free-throw line 22 times, making 17 (77.3%).

The Redhawks had five players in double figures, led by Dominic Elliott's 15 points and six rebounds off the bench.

Joe Starzynski added 13 points, Dawson Summer netted 12 points, eight rebounds and four assists, Bryce Epps scored 11 points and Michael Brooks chipped in with 10 points.

La Roche finally gets to take its home court, when they welcome Otterbein for the home opener on Friday, Nov. 15. Opening tip is slated for 7 p.m.