The University of Redlands men's basketball team dropped two games to NAIA foes during Winter Break, falling to The Master's College by a score of 56-75 on New Year's Eve afternoon and then settling for a 54-65 loss to Biola University on Jan. 2.

Against The Master's College, Redlands trailed from the opening tip and never recovered. The Bulldogs struggled from the field, shooting just 36.5% against the Mustangs' slightly better mark of 39.6%. However, The Master's College took care of the ball from long range, nailing 12 three-pointers at a 48.0% clip.

The Bulldogs gained nine points each from freshman guard Brian Kuklok (Poway, CA) and junior center Jordan Sanvictores (Redwood City, CA).

Two days later, the Maroon and Gray headed to Biola University for another non-conference showdown. This time, Redlands held a six-point lead early in the first half but the Eagles clawed their way back to tie it at 12 apiece with 11:52 on the clock. A back-and-forth battle ensued, with Biola holding a one-point advantage at the break.

Unfortunately, the Bulldog offense went cold in the second half, shooting just 28.6% compared to their first-half performance of 43.3%.

With 2:22 remaining, Redlands faced a nine-point deficit at 48-57, but then rallied to cut the lead to five when senior guard Pat Coffey (San Carlos, CA) sank a three-pointer with 45 seconds left on the clock. However, Biola took care of business in the waning seconds, hitting free throws and converting its final opportunity at the hoop.

Senior guard Andrew Maertens (Salt Lake City, UT) led Redlands with 17 points, which included five three-pointers. Junior forward Matt Dietrich (Phoenix, AZ) contributed 11 points in the loss.

The Bulldogs hope to halt their four-game losing skid with a win on Tuesday night as they host the Golden Eagles of La Sierra University in Currier Gym at 7:30 p.m.