TACOMA, Wash. — A putback at the buzzer spoiled the Pacific Lutheran University men's basketball team's hopes for an undefeated weekend on Saturday night, with visiting Lewis & Clark College escaping Olson Gymnasium with the 69-68 victory in a wild Northwest Conference tilt featuring 11 lead changes and eight ties.

The homestanding Lutes (7-8, 1-5 NWC) had led by as many as eight points in the second half but were unable to fully put away the pesky Pioneers. A Sam Noland three with 12 ticks left put the Lutes up by a single point to the elation of the home crowd. PLU's defense denied L&C's initial shot in the final seconds but Nikko Echalas hit a desperation shot as time expired to shock the Lutes and spoil the squad's bid for a weekend sweep.

Lewis & Clark (9-6, 3-3 NWC) led by as many as six in the first half but PLU buckled down, tying the game at 14 on a Sean McCurdy jumper and playing with the lead the rest of the half, enjoying a 38-33 buffer at the break. Pacific Lutheran's lead expanded to eight on a Jackson Reisner three with 16:37 remaining before the Pios scored 12 of the next 14, taking a two point lead with just over 10 minutes to go. L&C's lead increased to seven with 7:50 left only to see PLU score the next eight to retake the lead. The lead traded hands seven more times down the stretch included on Noland's three with 12 seconds left and Echalas' buzzer-beater.

Brandin Riedel finished with a season-high 20 points while also grabbing nine rebounds, shooting an efficient nine-for-13 from the floor. Noland provided 15 points and a team-high 11 rebounds with Reisner hitting four treys and scoring 14. McCurdy scooped up nine rebounds with Shane McGaughey-Fick dishing out five assists.

PLU is back on the hardwood on Tuesday with a showdown against crosstown nemesis University of Puget Sound.