Written by Student Assistant Christian Bond

TACOMA, Wash. – A monster run in the second half from Pacific University proved to be the downfall of the Pacific Lutheran University men's basketball team on Saturday night as the Boxers beat the Lutes 71-54 in a Northwest Conference tilt inside Olson Gymnasium.

Sean McLaughlin was a difference maker throughout the night for the Lutes (4-12, 1-7 NWC). The senior entered the game with 12:33 left in the first half, and his team down 13-5. McLaughlin poured in 10 first half points, putting the Lutes in contention at halftime. The Lutes trailed by just five points at the half but the visiting Boxers (10-7, 4-4 NWC) pulled away in the first 12 minutes of the second half, outscoring the Lutes by a 25-13 margin, going on to get the best of the Lutes.

McLaughlin finished the game with 17 points, shooting a perfect eight-for-eight from the field. The big fella added five rebounds to his stellar offensive performance.

"My teammates got me the ball in good spots and I made the most of it," McLaughlin said.

Leighton Kingma had a nice night for the Lutes. The Sophomore added 13 points, making a pair of three-pointers.

Kelton Williams was efficient for the Lutes. He knocked down three of his five shot attempts, finishing the night with six points. The guard tied McLaughlin and Zac Webb for most rebounds on the team with five. Jack Adams III scored seven points for the Lutes.

PLU had great contributions from their bench, outscoring the Boxer bench 28-6. The Lutes played well as a team, dishing out 11 assists on the night.

The conference schedule roles over next weekend as PLU heads to the east side of the state. On Friday, the Luts face Whitworth University at 8 p.m. On Saturday the Lutes face #1 Whitman College at 6 p.m.