Pacific closed 2023 with a narrow 67-63 loss to Calvin University Saturday night inside the Stoller Center.

After Pacific sophomore Shaade Williams knocked down two free throws to tie the game at 63-63 with 1:12 remaining, Calvin scored the go-head basket in the paint with 9 seconds left to play.

Trying to tie the game, Pacific fifth-year senior Brilie Kovaloff then drove to the hoop but could not get the layup to fall. The Knights added two free throws with less than a second remaining to secure the win.

Sydney Gray finished with 14 points and four rebounds to lead Pacific. Kovaloff had 13 points and two assists. Williams added 11 points and three rebounds off the bench.

After shooting 53 percent in the first quarter and 57 percent in the second, the Boxers shot just 18 percent from the floor in the third period. 

Pacific outscored the Knights 18-11 in the first quarter and held a narrow 35-33 lead at halftime. 

With the Boxers going nearly five minutes without scoring a point, Calvin grabbed a 42-37 lead midway through the third quarter. Pacific trailed 50-45 entering the fourth period.

The Boxers opened the fourth on an 8-2 run as layup by Gray put the Boxers on top 53-52 with 6:24 remaining. But that was the last time Pacific would lead in the game. 

The Boxers shot 12.5 percent from the 3-point arc, making just 2 of 16 attempts. 

Next, Pacific plays its first Northwest Conference home game of the season on Friday, Jan. 5 against Puget Sound. The Loggers, 8-3 overall, were picked to win the NWC in the preseason by the conference coaches. 

For the latest information on Pacific Athletics, make sure to check out GoBoxers.com. You can also find the Boxers on social media at @GoBoxers on Instagram and Twitter.
 
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