A two-night challenge was answered in many ways by the Phoenix boys' basketball team.

The Pirates had their biggest offensive night of the season on  Jan. 21 in a 86-78 loss at Klamath Union. They came back the next afternoon to host Mazama in a Skyline Conference make-up game and dropped a 66-54 decision to the visiting Vikings.

Phoenix started fast on Saturday, leading 19-10 after a quarter against Mazama. The Vikings rallied with a 24-9 scoring surge in the second quarter and never trailed again.

Julius Bolstad connected on four three-pointers and led all scorers with 19 points. Miguel Valadez and Jack Monroe both added 10 for the Pirates.

A night earlier, Valadez put together a career-effort with 30 points in the loss at Klamath Union. The senior guard was effective inside and out, driving to the basket and also hitting perimeter shots. He connected on five three-pointers in the game.

Phoenix led 57-54 after three quarters before several costly turnovers and defensive lapses helped the host Pelicans to a 32-point fourth quarter.

Bolstad added 17 points and Isaiah Ayala-Talbott finished with 16 for Phoenix, which is 0-2 in the Skyline and 5-10 overall. The Pirates return to action Friday, hosting North Valley.