Box Score NAPLES, Fla. – A potential blowout turned into a nail-biter for the Pacific Lutheran University men's basketball team but in the end the Lutes were able to pull out the 52-48 victory over Pennsylvania State University-Harrisburg on Monday at the Naples Shootout.  
 
"I'm thrilled that we were able to win today. We needed it," said Head Coach Chad Murray.
 
"I thought we defended really well for the entire game. Everyone was really locked in to our defensive game plan and that was nice to see."
 
The Lutes (4-5) enjoyed a 25-21 lead at the halftime intermission and had their lead swell to a 20-point buffer with 10:40 remaining in the game. The Lions (4-5) chipped into the lead over the final minutes but PLU did just enough to stay in the lead and secure the four-point win.
 
"We came out in the second half and were able to continue to defend well while also knocking down some shots to extend the lead to 20. What happened next was something that, as a coach, I didn't like. We got complacent, lost our focus and concentration, and allowed them back into the game. Missed free throws, silly turnovers, and really poor execution made the game much closer than it needed to be."
 
Sean McCurdy paced the Lutes with 14 points while Jordan Thomas had fourth double-double of the year and his second in as many games, logging 10 points and 10 rebounds. Brandin Riedel notched eight points.
 
"We need to learn from this and have a higher standard of performance. We're really excited for tomorrow as we hope to put everything together."
 
The Lutes are back on the hardwood tomorrow facing LaGrange College at 11 a.m. (Eastern Time).