CLAREMONT, Calif. – Kelton Williams scored 20 points – including the game-winner in the final seconds – to lead the Pacific Lutheran University men's basketball team to a 61-57 win over Claremont-Mudd-Scripps to close out the California road trip.
 
"What a great way to ring in the new year!" said head coach Chad Murray.  "This week has been incredible. We have experienced every emotion possible on this trip and for us to navigate through it with a win tonight is fantastic."
 
The Lutes (4-6) got off to a strong start scoring eight of the opening 10 points. The host Stags were able to cut the lead to two and each team battled for the rest of the first half, with the Lutes taking a slim 31 – 27 lead into the locker room.  The second half was a battle with the Stags leading most of the time, but a key jumper by Williams from the top key tied the game with just under a minute to play.  Williams scored the final six points of the game to secure the win.
 
"Kelton made a couple of huge plays on both ends of the court to help us secure this one and then our entire group got a huge stop with under a minute to give us a chance."
 
Williams led the way for the Lutes followed by Leighton Kingma with 16 points while grabbing six rebounds.  Conor Geiger and Carlton Brown each had seven points.
 
"Our guys are tired, but we will be ready for Northwest Conference play on Friday."
 
The Lutes host George Fox for a NWC home opener on Friday with the women tipping off at 6 p.m. followed by the men at 8 p.m.   Saturday, January 5 is Military Appreciation Night with free admission to all active and retired members of the military (with ID).