Riverside mounted a big second-half comeback, but the Pirates came up on the short end of a 77-62 decision against host Fairbanks on Friday in Northwest Central Conference boys basketball action.

The Pirates fall to 6-7 overall and 4-2 in the NWCC, while the Panthers improve to 7-5, 5-1.

Fairbanks led 34-19 at halftime and held a 54-29 lead at one point in the third quarter.

However, Riverside made a thrilling rally. The Pirates ripped off a 27-2 run to tie the score at 56-56 early in the fourth quarter.

Fairbanks refused to let the Pirates jump in front, though. The Panthers used a late surge to hold on for the victory.

Dennis Linson led the Pirates with 14 points. Jacob Hurley and Kyle Baughman each had 11 points and Dean McFarlin chipped in 10 points.

Nick Gibson powered Fairbanks with a game-high 32 points.

Riverside won the reserve game.

The Pirates are back in action tonight at home against Fairlawn.

FAIRBANKS 77, RIVERSIDE 62

RIVERSIDE (6-7, 4-2) K. Hurley 0 1-2 1; J. Hurley 5 1-2 11; Clark 2 1-1 5; Baughman 5 1-2 11; McFarlin 3 2-2 10; Linson 6 1-1 14; Snapp 2 1-2 5; Whitehead 2 0-0 5. Totals: 22 8-12 62.
FAIRBANKS (7-5, 5-1) Troyer 4 2-7 13; DeRoads 2 5-6 9; Clarrage 1 0-0 2; Detmuler 2 0-0 5; Gibson 11 10-11 32; Boeger 2 2-2 6; Alderman 1 0-0 2; Short 1 1-7 3; Burns 1 3-6 5. Totals: 25 23-34 77.

Pirates 5 14 26 17 — 62
Panthers 12 22 21 22 — 77

Three pointers: Riverside 3 (McFarlin 2, Whitead); Fairbanks 4 (Troyer 3, Detmuler).