TACOMA, Wash. – The Pacific Lutheran University men's basketball team had no problems extending their winning streak to six games over crosstown rival University of Puget Sound, cruising to a 98-82 victory over the Loggers on Saturday night. Coupled with a Whitworth University loss to Whitman College, the Lutes now sit atop the Northwest Conference standings at 7-1.
PLU (7-1, 7-1 NWC) dominated from the outset on Saturday night. Senior
Seth Hall celebrated his Senior Night in style, going on a personal 10-4 run to begin the game and scoring on the first four Lute possessions. The Vancouver native would go on to score a game-high 23 on 10-of-15 shooting.
The Lutes continued to push down the gas pedal in the first half, leading 27-7 with 12:28 left in the first half after a
Tyler Ashmore three-pointer. PLU's lead swelled to 24 when Ashmore connected from the field again to make it 41-17 with 7:46 remaining in the first half. The ball continued to bounce the Lutes' way at the halftime buzzer when
Ethan Smith's shot as time expired bounced off the rim multiple times before finally dropping in for a 57-35 halftime advantage.
The Lutes shot a blistering 70.6 percent from the field in the first 20 minutes, including an incredible 9-for-12 from long range. PLU shot 65 percent from the field for the contest and drilled 15 three-pointers in just 22 attempts.
The second half brought more of the same, before the lead finally peaked at 27 points after a
Grayson Peet three-pointer. Peet finished with six points on two three-pointers in his final home game as a Lute.
Kelton Williams had eight points, seven assists and a pair of steals, while
Luke Worley had four points and three assists in their final home contests.
Junior
Jordan Thomas nearly posted a triple-double on the evening with 12 points, nine rebounds and eight assists to go with two steals and three blocks.
PLU will back their bags for Walla Walla next weekend when they travel to Whitman College on Friday and Saturday night. Both games are scheduled at 8:00 p.m.
