TACOMA, Wash. - The Pacific Lutheran University men's basketball team will welcome two nationally-ranked powerhouses to Olson Gymnasium to close out the regular season, facing 12th-ranked Whitworth University on Friday and second-ranked Whitman College on Saturday. 
 
The Lutes (8-14, 5-9 Northwest Conference) are coming off a split weekend in Oregon. After suffering a 127-118 defeat against Pacific University the squad bounced back with an impressive 74-55 victory over Lewis & Clark College. Leighton Kingma led the way scoring both nights, putting up 37 points and 26 points for the Lutes, finishing with a double-double both days. Freshman Jordan Thomas also had a double-double in the win over Lewis & Clark, picking up 16 points and securing 14 boards. 
 
This Saturday's game will mark the last game that senior Zac Webb laces up his shoes for the Lutes. 
 
"My plans for after graduation is to start my coaching and administration career in college athletics," said Webb. "I've applied and interviewed for the Masters of Education in Intercollegiate Athletic Leadership at the University of Washington. I will hopefully get accepted to their phenomenal program and work as a graduate assistant to gain extremely valuable experience and make connections to jump-start my coaching/admin career."
 
As a student-athlete prepares to put on their school's uniform one last time it's natural to reflect on their time. As any competitor knows, a sport is not just a sport, it's a lifestyle. 
 
Perhaps Webb said it best, reflecting on his own career, "I struggle to talk about my experiences here at times because it is hard to describe with words the impact that the University, the athletic department, and the PLU Men's basketball program has had on me in my four years here. My first two years in the program showed me the toughness, grit, hard work, and integrity that it takes to not only be a successful basketball player, but a successful human being and leader. I have had many highs and lows in my four years, but I also have to sit down and reflect on how far I have come from being a young, inexperienced 18 year old freshman to a seasoned 22 year old senior. I wouldn't be the same person I am today without going through those challenges." 

"I've dedicated my life to this program over the last four years, from waking up at 6 a.m. in the summer to lift and workout before I go to work, then work eight hours and come home to shoot baskets and train more. Every decision that I have made revolved around when I could workout, lift, shoot, run, etc. I have sacrificed so much for basketball and I am grateful how much it has returned to me. I have made life-long friendships, found mentors, created amazing career connections, and made lasting memories while traveling for games. I will walk off the court on Saturday for the last time as a player with my family and teammates by my side, with not a regret in the world because I know I have given every ounce of blood, sweat, and tears to this beautiful game and this program. "
 
The Lutes tip-off against Whitworth on Friday at 8 p.m. with Senior Day getting underway at 6 p.m. against Whitman. 
 
Feb. 15: PLU vs. Whitworth at Olson Gymnasium (8 p.m.)
 
Series History: The Lutes and Pirates have met 149 times with Whitworth holding an 85-64 advantage in the all-time series that first began during the 1946-1947 season. 
 
About the Pirates: 12th-ranked Whitworth (19-4, 11-3 NWC) rolls into Olson Gymnasium having won its last three games, including a 107-98 overtime victory over George Fox University. Prior to the overtime win, Whitworth collected wins at the expense of Lewis & Clark (77-75) and Linfield College (74-73).
 
Four Pirates average in double figures with Ben College leading the way with 20.7 points per game. Kyle Roach adds 17.9 ppg with Jordan Lester adding 12.1 ppg. Jared Christy chips in 10.3 ppg and a team-best 9.0 rebounds per game.
 
Feb. 16: PLU vs. Whitman at Olson Gymnasium (6 p.m.)
 
Series History: This Lutes and Blues have met 118 times since the 1953-1954 season with PLU enjoying a commanding 73-45 advantage in the all-time series. Whitman has won the last five encounters, including a 113-63 victory on Jan. 18 in Walla Walla. 
 
About the Blues: Second-ranked Whitman (22-1, 14-0 NWC) heads to Tacoma riding an 18-game win streak. The Blues lone blemish this season was a 112-109 double overtime setback to Pomona-Pitzer Colleges back on Nov. 24. The high-flying Blues have eclipsed 100 points 18 times this season, including last weekend, downing George Fox 107-84 and Linfield 105-100.
 
Joey Hewitt leads the offense, averaging 15.7 ppg while Darne Duckett adds 12.2 ppg. Austin Butler chips in 11.0 ppg and a team-best 5.4 rpg.