LAS VEGAS – Much like last evening, it was close but no cigar against a nationally-ranked opponent for the Pacific Lutheran University men's basketball team.  The Lutes led 19^th-ranked University of Mary-Hardin Baylor by two in the final minute, but the Crusaders hit a massive three-pointer to take a one-point lead with 22 seconds remaining and escaped South Point Arena with a victory.

"As I said last night, I couldn't be more proud of the grit, toughness and fight of this group," said PLU Head Coach Chad Murray.  "This one is tough to swallow because our kids deserved to see a W beside this one on the schedule.  Brett Williams and Jordan Thomas did a masterful job on the defensive end tonight on Johnson and Prince, holding both well below their averages.  We just couldn't land the knockout punch and that will be something I'll be kicking myself for as we move forward."
 
PLU (7-4, 2-0 NWC) had open looks by Sam Noland and Brandin Riedel, but both came up empty in an effort to take the lead on the ensuing possession. After controlling the rebound,  Ty Prince knocked down a pair of free throws to extend the lead to three, and Noland's turnaround fadeaway three for the tie was just long. 
 
The Lutes, without starters Tyler Ashmore and Seth Hall, led by as many as nine points in the second half and held the lead for over 32 minutes over the course of the game.  PLU held the Crusaders to just 31.7 percent shooting for the game and just 5-for-21 from three-point range.  The Crusaders did their damage offensively on PLU miscues as they turned 24 Lute turnovers into 20 points. 
 
PLU had an all-around effort from Jordan Thomas with 12 points, nine rebounds, five assists, a pair of steals and a block.  Sean McCurdy led the team with 15 points and collected eight rebounds.  Brett Williams held Josiah Johnson to just 15 points on the night, 13 below his season average and added 11 of his own, including a big three-pointer to put the Lutes up two, 53-51, with 1:26 left on the clock. 

"These two hurt, especially this one, but I promised the guys that we'll look back and be thankful for the experience this provided, whether it manifests into a big conference win or something later in life," said Murray. 
 
PLU will return home on Friday, January 7 when they take on George Fox University at 8:00 p.m. and follow it up with a game on Saturday, January 8 against Willamette University at 6:00 p.m.