NEWBERG, Ore. - Brandin Riedel provided a career-high 25 points, helping the Pacific Lutheran University men's basketball team remain tied atop the Northwest Conference standings with a 83-72 victory over host George Fox University on Saturday evening at Miller Gymnasium.

The victory was the Lutes' (15-6, 10-2 NWC) fifth straight and ensures that the NWC title race will be contested inside Olson Gymnasium over the coming two weeks. PLU sits tied atop the league with rivals Whitworth University and LInfield University. Both rivals have an upcoming trip to Tacoma to see the Lutes as PLU will play its final four regular season games inside the friendly confines of Olson Gymnasium, a venue the Lutes are undefeated in this season.

The opening half was a back and forth affair with nine lead changes and six ties. PLU trailed by six with 10:06 left in the opening stanza but closed the half strong, owning a 41-36 advantage at the break.

PLU's lead ballooned to as many as 15 points in the second half, holding on for the 11-point win.

"Brandin was incredible tonight. He settled himself down after a couple minutes into the game and dominated the paint," said Head Coach Chad Murray.

"We did a better job locating him with a clear advantage and he did the rest by finishing around the rim. I'm really proud of him and his development throughout the year. He gives us another aspect to our offense that really makes us tough to deal with."

Riedel led all scorers with 25 points, hitting 12 of his 17 shots from the floor while also hauling in seven rebounds. Jordan Thomas added 22 points, eight rebounds, and five steals while Brett Williams and Seth Hall both added 11 points.

"Brett did another incredible job defensively and Jordan really did nicely breaking their full-court pressure in the second half. We're thrilled to finish our regular season road schedule with a 6-2 record. We can't wait for next weekend and hope all of the Lute faithful will be out in full force on Friday and Saturday."

PLU outrebounded the Bruins 39-28 while outshooting the hosts, hitting 55.7 percent (34-for-61) from the field compared to GFU's 43.5 percent (27-for-62).

With the win, PLU secures a spot in the 2022 NWC Tournament, marking the second consecutive season the Lutes' have qualified for the postseason event.

The Lutes' four game homestand begins on Friday at 8 p.m., squaring off against in-state nemesis Whitworth.