File photo – Thomas Nelson

The Corsairs battled right to the end in men’s basketball at Siskiyous on Thursday night, but ultimately had dug themselves too big a hole to climb out of early in the second half.

The Eagles won the game 74-71.

Redwoods led by two at halftime, but the Eagles came out fired up after the interval, going on a 19-5 run to lead by 12 with just over eight minutes remaining.

The Corsairs, to their credit, battled back, closing to within one with three minutes remaining.

Some clutch free-throw shooting by the Eagles down the stretch, however, meant they never relinquished their lead.

Despite the loss, the CR men remain alone atop the Golden Valley Conference with a record of 5-2, followed by Butte and Shasta, who are both 4-3.

Just two games separate the top five teams with three games remaining each.

The Corsairs (18-5 overall) play at Butte on Saturday.

Thomas Nelson was once again outstanding for CR on Thursday, finishing with 16 points, including some clutch baskets late in the game to help keep his team in touch.

Likewise with Drew Gillette, who finished with a team-high 18 points, while Bradley Willis chipped in 12 and Donald Willis 11.

Kody Bauman scored a game-high 28 points for Siskiyous.