TACOMA, Wash. – For the seventh consecutive meeting, the Pacific Lutheran University men's basketball team defeated crosstown rival University of Puget Sound.  The Lutes knocked off the Loggers 72-68, and coupled with Whitworth University's win over Linfield University, the Lutes, Wildcats and Pirates all have one loss at the top of the Northwest Conference standings.    
 
Rebounding, defense and free throw shooting helped the Lutes overcome a tough offensive night at Memorial Fieldhouse. 
 
PLU owned a 39-29 edge on the glass and had 14 second-chance points in a tight ball game that featured eight lead changes and 12 ties.  The Lutes knocked down 17-of-23 free throws on the evening, including 14-of-18 in the second half.  Seth Hall was a perfect 10-for-10 from the charity stripe and finished with 26 on the night. 
 
It was a struggle for most of the night offensively for the visitors as they shot just 1-for-17 from three-point range and coughed the ball up 18 times.  With the score tied at 40-40 with 12:18 remaining, the Lutes went on an 8-0 run to claim a lead they wouldn't relinquish.  PLU led by as many as 12 when Sean McCurdy made a free throw with 4:42 left, but the pesky Loggers continued to cut away at the lead before running out of time. 
 
"I can't say enough about Brett Williams and his defense tonight," said PLU Head Coach Chad Murray.  "He was incredible yet again and our defense overall on UPS tonight was the reason we pulled this out.  I'm so proud of how we've embraced being a defense first team.  Jordan was great on Hansen as well.  Offensively, we couldn't buy a three.  If you told me we'd go 1-for-17 from three and still win I'd tell you, you're crazy.  We were able to get to the basket and get to the line enough to get the job done.  It's a big win for our program and we can't wait to go down to Linfield on Saturday."
 
Jordan Thomas had 13 points, a game-high 11 rebounds, four steals, two assists and a block to stuff the box score.  McCurdy finished with 11 points, while Sam Noland chipped in nine. 
 
PLU will head to Linfield University on Saturday for a huge game with the NWC co-leaders.  Tipoff in McMinnville, Ore. is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.