LA CROSSE, Wis. – The Edgewood College men's basketball team couldn't overcome an early deficit, falling to Viterbo University in the season opener 78-66. The Eagles made 12 three-pointers including six by senior Spencer Barnes, but played from behind for most of the night.

Edgewood College (0-1) trailed 15-12 after a three-pointer from Barnes, when the V-Hawks pulled away. Viterbo University (3-1) scored 14 straight points as part of an 18-2 run to lead 33-14 with just more than nine minutes to play in the first half.

Tyler Lemke got the Eagles' offense going with back-to-back three-pointers to get the Eagles back within 10, and shortly after Tyler Westrick hit a three-pointer to complete a 16-2 Edgewood College run. The Eagles would get as close as 41-38 on a put-back by senior Jim Bridges before Viterbo settled for a 45-38 halftime lead.

However, the V-Hawks would seize control again with a 22-7 run to begin the second half. Viterbo's lead ballooned to 74-54 with four minutes left to play before the Eagles put together one last gasp comeback attempt. Barnes hit three-pointers on three straight possessions to get the Eagles within single digits at 74-65. Viterbo regained their free throw touch in the final two minutes, sinking 4-of-6 foul shots to seal the win.

With his late barrage, Barnes led all scorers with 18 points on 6-for-13 shooting from the three-point line. Barnes also dished out a team-high four assists. Adam Freitag scored 13 points, while Tyler Lemke scored 11, including three three-pointers. Lemke led the Eagles on the glass with seven rebounds, despite the fact the V-Hawks outrebounded Edgewood College 42-26.

Viterbo had five players in double figures, led by Jared Fleischmann with 16 points. The V-Hawks shot 58.0 percent from the field compared to just 39.3 percent for the Eagles.

Edgewood College will return to the Edgedome next Tuesday for the home opener. The Eagles will face 21st-ranked UW-Oshkosh in a 7:00 p.m. tipoff.