TACOMA, Wash. - The Pacific Lutheran University men's basketball team look to build on its impressive performance last week, taking on Northwest Christian University In Eugene, Oregon on Saturday.
 
Last weekend, the Lutes (3-4) traveled down to Portland and had a great showing against Portland Bible College. The Lutes took the 77-40 victory, their largest margin of the season. Leighton Kingma, Seth Hall, Jordan Thomas, and Kelton Williams all posted double digits in scoring, helping the team secure the one-sided victory. 
 


"I think our biggest takeaway from the game against Portland Bible is that we're at our best when we're all playing together and playing to our strengths," said junior Seth Hall. "There were times in the first half that we were trying to do too much and not taking what the defense was giving us, but we got it figured out in the second half and we were able to pull away."
 
Hall had a very efficient performance against PBC with 11 points, 4-5 from the field, and a perfect 3-3 from deep. 
 
"Having a high efficiency game is great, my teammates are always looking for me on the perimeter and I'm going to continue to knock down shots. Winning in a blowout game is always a good feeling and we are definitely happy about our performance, but there are always things you can take away from a game that you can learn from. Our next game against Northwest Christian is going to be a tough one, so we're going to have to meet and exceed our energy and focus level that we brought down to Portland."
 
Seth is a transfer junior this year with the Lutes and has transitioned smoothly to the team, building a great connection with his teammates.
 
"Going to Lower Columbia College for the last two years was invaluable to me, I've learned so much and become a way better basketball player as a result. The transition from LCC to PLU was really smooth, the guys welcomed early on and I've built some really strong relationships in my short time here. As a team we've come a long way in terms of team chemistry, but I think as a group we all know we're capable of doing more. It's just going to take some time to find what we're looking for, but when we do, we'll be dangerous."
 
At PLU, Hall is not only transitioning well on the court, but also in the classroom with his sights set on graduation.
 
"I'm a Sociology major and a History minor. I plan on teaching or going into administration and coaching in the future. I want to stay around basketball for the rest of my life. I've had coaches and teachers that have made an amazing impact on me and I want to do the same for others. Teaching and coaching will allow me to interact with others every single day."

With the challenge of transitioning to a new team and school, Hall has not had a lot of time for outside activities but has his priorities in order.
 
"To be honest, my first semester at PLU hasn't left me with much free time. When I'm not playing basketball and doing homework, I like to take advantage of time with my girlfriend, Noalani. During the off season I'll probably pick up some Xbox games as I've always been a gamer."
 
The Lutes will be back in action on Saturday at 4 p.m. against Northwest Christian University in Eugene, Oregon. 
 
"Northwest Christian is a good team, but we're approaching this game thinking about us and what we need to get better at. Pretty soon we're about to start playing conference games that really matter, so we want to be playing our best basketball come early January. Northwest Christian will be a great test and I think we're ready to take that next step we've been looking to take."


 
Dec. 14: PLU vs. Northwest Christian in Eugene, Oregon (4 p.m.)
 
Series History: This will be the fifth all-time meeting since the series began during the 1986-1987 season. The Beacons enjoy a 3-1 edge in the series, including a 107-87 victory last season inside Olson Gymnasium. 
 
About the Beacons: Northwest Christian (5-5, 1-0 Cascade Collegiate Conference) fell 97-73 to William Jessup University on Nov. 22 but has been on a tear since, winning four straight. That streak includes posting triple digits in three wins, piling on 116 against New Hope Christian College on Nov. 23, 102 on Northwest Indian College, and 128 on New Hope Christian.
 
Ernest Ugoagu leads the scoring attack, averaging 18.1 points per game while Stevie Schlabach and Logan Sand chip in 12.2 and 11.8 ppg, respectively.