ELLENSBURG, Wash. - The Pacific Lutheran University men's basketball team was unable to sustain an early lead against Division II Central Washington University, stumbling 82-60 to the Wildcats on Saturday in an exhibition game inside Nicholson Pavilion.

"You may look at the score and think we got dominated but I have a different opinion. I thought we hung with them really well for about 80 percent of the game. I thought our half court defensive intensity was fantastic as we were able to string some stops together on various occasions. What killed us were turnovers and then subsequent baskets in transition that allowed them to separate," said Head Coach Chad Murray.

A Sean McCurdy jumper followed by a Sam Noland steal and a Jordan Thomas fast break layup gave the visiting Lutes their first lead of the day at 12-11 with 14:09 left in the opening half. The lead would trade hands five more times over the next five minutes, including the Lutes (6-2) taking an 18-17 advantage with 10:24 remaining on a three from Shane McGaughey-Fick.

It would be the Lutes final lead of the afternoon with the Wildcats (5-2) answering with a three of their own and launching a 29-10 run to close out the opening half, enjoying a 46-28 buffer at the intermission.

The Lutes opened the second half on an 18-4 run, whittling the 18-point gap down to just four points on a Seth Hall layup with 15:06 remaining. Central responded with the next eight points to reclaim a double digit advantage. Tyler Ashmore cut the gap down to single digits with a three with 10:23 remaining but CWU drilled a three of their own and maintained a double digit lead the rest of the way.

"We came out in the second half and really did a nice job getting back into the game with a chance to cut it to one possession. My challenge to the team was to win the second half, and we had a chance to do that at the end."

Jordan hit six of his nine shots on the day, leading the Lutes with 12 points and three assists. Ashmore added 10 points while Brett Williams chipped in nine points. Hall collected seven points while also adding a team-high seven rebounds.

"We use these exhibition games to present some challenges mentally and physically. This absolutely helps us prepare for the top tier of opponets in our leagye that we are looking to challenge for an NWC title."

CWU enjoyed a 43-29 rebounding advantage in the game while boasting a 54-38 edge in points in the paint.

Pacific Lutheran takes next week off before hosting University of California-Santa Cruz on Tuesday, December 21. Tipoff inside Olson Gymnasium is set for 2 p.m.