SPOKANE, Wash. – Despite holding a four point lead at the half, the Pacific Lutheran University men's basketball team was unable to match the second half play of sixth ranked Whitworth University, dropping a 71-56 decision on Saturday evening in Spokane.
 
The Lutes (6-10, 205 NWC) owned an early 30-26 lead at halftime before the Pirates pulled off 22-8 run in the second to take an 11-point lead with five minutes left to play.
 
"I thought our guys fought like crazy tonight for as long as they possibly could," said Head Coach Chad Murray. "We shortened up our rotation tonight and that probably came back to haunt us a bit in the second half due to fatigue.  We came out in the first half with a purpose to defend and opened the game with nine consecutive stops.  Against one of the best teams in the country, that is something we will build on."
 
Kelton Williams led the Lutes on the night going 5 for 12 from the floor and added three 3-point shots for 15 points.  Nasseen Gutierrez-Orozco, coming off the bench, ended up with 11 points. Conor Geiger and Leighton Kingma each added nine points, while Jordan Thomas snagged 10 rebounds.
 
"We will take some real positives from the weekend that will help us on Tuesday against UPS. We are looking forward to it!"
 
The Lutes are back in action Tuesday night for the Battle of the South Sound as the host Puget Sound at 6 p.m.  Saturday, January 26 is Lute Fest – a night honoring all Lute alumni, donors, parents, family, and friends with an alumni game, a reception, and a game tipping off at 4 p.m. For more information, visit golutes.com/LuteFest19