ROCKLIN, Calif. – Defense brought Southern Oregon back from 12 points down against Menlo (Calif.), but the Raiders' offense couldn't finish the job in a 65-56 loss that opened the Bill Holtz Classic on Friday at Warrior Arena.

Playing their first counter of 2023-24, the Raiders were held to 22 first-half points but went on a 19-7 run to tie the score at 46 with 10 minutes left. They shot 3-of-12 with six turnovers the rest of the way, and went scoreless over the final two minutes after pulling within three points.

Junior forward Landon Seaman scored 18 points to lead the Oaks, who shot 51 percent from the field while improving to 3-0. Patrick Ryan contributed 10 of his 14 points after halftime and added four steals.

They hung on despite not getting a single 3-point make from their starters, getting out-rebounded by a margin of nine on the offensive glass, and getting up 13 fewer free throws than the Raiders.

Junior forward Khalil Chatman had a strong debut for SOU, posting 14 points and eight rebounds, while Brett Hollins had nine points and six boards. Bryce Dyer went for eight points off the bench and shot 2-of-3 from 3-point range, but the rest of the Raiders combined to go 1-of-13 beyond the arc.

They ended at 34 percent from the field, staying in the game with their 14 offensive boards and by forcing 16 turnovers. Mason Whittaker helped that cause with four steals.

SOU is back on the court at 7 p.m. Saturday to face host Jessup (Calif.).