Written by Student Assistant Christian Bond

LAS VEGAS, Nev. - After a slow start, the offense from the Pacific Lutheran University men's basketball team picked up immensely in the second half, but it was too late as Carroll University blazed past the Lutes 76-54 in day one of the D3Hoops.com Classic at South Point Arena.

PLU (3-6) struggled in the first 20 minutes of Friday's ball game, shooting just 35.3 percent (six-for-17) from the field in the early going as the Pioneers built a 37-19 halftime advantage. Adjustments were made, and the Lutes improved in the second half, shooting 54.2 percent from the field, sinking 13 of their 24 shot attempts.

"I challenged them at halftime to be more deliberate on the offensive end and not allow our opponent to dictate the shots we take," Head Coach Chad Murray said. "For the first 10 minutes of the second half, we did a much better job and consequently we made shots because they were generated by better offense."

The starting five combined for 37 points, but it was Markus Glenn who led the way with 10, knocking down a pair of three-point shots. Zac Webb was a starter for the first time this season, scoring nine points, pulling down five rebounds while blocking two shots.

The bench was led by Kelton Williams. The freshman from Renton poured in six points, doing most of his work at the free-throw line. Willams was four-for-six from the charity stripe.

The Lutes turned the ball over 16 times during the game. The Pioneers (4-7) took advantage, scoring 19 points off of turnovers. For the young PLU team, limiting the turnovers comes with experience.

Day two of the D3Hoops.com Classic happens tomorrow when the Lutes take on Central College at 4 p.m.