ST. DAVIDS, Pa.--Eastern University Men's Basketball battled the No. 8 Cabrini Cavaliers, but fell 82-76 at home Monday night.

The Eagles had five players score in double-digits, and were led by Collin Whipple's 22 points. Martin Soaries scored 16, Mike Donatoni and Alex Nelson each had 13, and Dan Werth added 11. Eastern seemed on the verge of a comeback at several times during the second half, but were never able to find enough momentum to take over the game. 

After starting with an early six-point deficit, Eastern tied the game at 13-13. At halftime, the Eagles once again trailed by six, but a 3-pointer by Martin Soaries with 17:41 left in the second half gave Eastern its first lead. Unfortunately for the Eagles, it was their only lead of the game. Cabrini took the lead back with a layup by Cory Lemons. Lemons foiled Eastern's comeback hopes by shooting 12-for-21 and scoring a game-high 27 points. Cabrini also had three other players score double-digits: AJ Williams (13), John Boyd (12), Aaron Walton-Moss (10).

The Cavaliers shot an even 50 percent and limited the Eagles to a 39.7 percent shooting night. The Eagles struggled to capitalize on their attacks to the basket, missing 19 layups.

Both teams attempted 29 free throws. With Cabrini missing 11 free throws, Eastern could have made up some ground in that column, but the Eagles shot below their season average of 73.1 percent, finishing with a 65.5 percent night from the free throw line.

Since the game was a non-conference game, Eastern's playoff standings are not hurt by the loss. The Eagles resume league play on Wednesday as they host the King's College Monarchs at 8 pm.