SALEM – The Santiam Christian Eagles were just too much for the Sutherlin boys basketball team at the MLK Showcase in Salem on Monday night. The Bulldogs struggled to contain Santiam Christian’s size and fell 43-31 in the nonleague contest.

Santiam Christian (17-1) led the entire game against Sutherlin (15-4). The Eagles jumped out to a 7-0 lead and stretched the advantage to double digits in the second half.

Mason Gill led Sutherlin in defeat with 13 points, before he fouled out in the fourth quarter. JR Bailey added 10 for the Bulldogs.

Santiam Christian was anchored by three players standing at 6-foot-5 or taller. Sophomores Joe Baugher and Joe MaQatish led the way for the Eagles. The 6-5 Baugher had a team-high 12 points and 6-7 MaQatish chipped in 11. Koby Williamson, a 6-8 junior, added 10. The top-ranked Eagles have won nine straight games.

Sutherlin will get back to league play on Friday with a home game against St. Mary’s.