TACOMA, Wash. — Sean McCurdy blocked a potential game winning shot after Brandin Riedel hit a pair of clutch free throws as the Pacific Lutheran University men's basketball team outlasted Linfield University 81-80 in a wild Senior Night tilt inside Olson Gymnasium. 
 
"Well, we like to make it interesting. I guess the folks coming out for Senior Night got their money's worth. I'm so happy for Trey, Sean, and Jordan to be able to have this night end with a win. They deserve it for everything they've done for the program over the last several years," said Head Coach Chad Murray.
 
In an eerily similar script to Friday night, the Lutes (11-10, 5-7 NWC) led by as many as 16 but found themselves down with under a minute to go after the Wildcats (9-13, 6-6 NWC) claimed the lead on a Carson Bonine three. Riedel drew a foul with under 18 seconds left and calmly hit a pair of free throws to put the Lutes up one before the posting one final defensive stand. Linfield's initial shot misfired but was collected by Alex Jaczko who went up as time was expiring for what could have been the winner before being swatted by McCurdy. 
 
Jack Williams hit a jumper at the buzzer to end the opening half as the Lutes went into the locker room with a healthy 50-37 lead. 
 
PLU's lead swelled to 16 with 13:36 left in the game and was still a 10-point cushion with 4:08 to play. The Lutes would go on a three-minute scoring drought as Linfield took the lead by scoring the next 11 points, enjoying the 80-79 advantage with 35 ticks left. 
 
"I think the difference between tonight and last night was that it was a half-court game rather than a full court game handling pressure all night. That is more our style and also tonight I just feel like we maintained our confidence on the offensive end for the entire night. Last night I think our confidence wavered which hurt our ability to get consistent stops."
 
Williams came off the bench and scored a career-high 17 points in just 16 minutes of action. Celebrating Senior Night, Sean McCurdy had 15 points, six rebounds, and four assists in addition to the clutch block at the buzzer. Fellow senior Trey Garey got the starting nod and scored six points and grabbing two boards, playing a pivotal role in setting the tone in both halves. 
 
"Trey's performance to night was truly inspiring. We all absolutely love Trey so to see him take advantage of his opportunity tonight was a perfect script for the night."
 
Riedel finished with a dozen points, hitting four of his five field goals while Resiner added 11 points.
 
The Lutes recognized their three seniors— Trey Garey, Sean McCurdy, and Jordan Thomas— in a pregame ceremony. The trio have led the Lutes to two trips to the NWC Tournament in addition to winning a share of the program's first NWC title since 1986 last winter. 
 
The victory keeps the Lutes in striking distance for the NWC Tourney, sitting one game out of fourth place with four games to play. PLU returns to the court on Friday with a game against Lewis & Clark College in Portland.