The Chaparrals nearly overcame a 15-point deficit Tuesday night at Rock Valley, but fell short in a 73-68 loss to the Golden Eagles in Region 4 men's play.
 
Drew Gaston and Gerald Tate shared team-high honors with 16 points apiece and Alijah Nelson added 12 off the bench for the Chaps, who dropped to 10-11 overall heading into Thursday night's N4C and D3 game at Joliet.
 
The Golden Eagles led 40-25 with 2:25 to go in the first half after using an earlier 11-0 run to take command.
 
COD climbed back with a significant run of its own, outscoring RVC 12-1 after a jumper from Nelson pulled the Chaps to within two, 59-57, with 10 minutes left.
 
The Chaps then went scoreless for the next 4 ½ minutes, but made another run with a 7-0 spurt late. Down 71-61 with 1:52 remaining, Nelson hit a layup and added a pair of free throws.
 
Matt Elliott then hit a 3-pointer and the Chaps were a possession away from tying the game at 71-68 with 54 seconds left.
 
RVC closed the game with a pair of free throws for the final margin.
 
The Chaps outscored RVC 25-8 on points off turnovers, but were just 2 of 14 on 3s.