WALLA WALLA, Wash. -- A 13-3 run midway through the opening half put host Whitman College in the driver's seat as the Pacific Lutheran University men's basketball team wrapped up its road trip to eastern Washington with an 82-68 setback to the Blues inside the Sherwood Center on Sunday evening.

The in-state rivals battled back and forth in the game's opening minutes with five lead changes and three ties. A Brandin Riedel layup with 14:24 left in the first half gave the Lutes' (10-7, 3-5 Northwest Conference) an 8-6 advantage but the Blues (12-5, 6-2 NWC) answered with a three on the ensuing possession to reclaim the lead, kicking off a 13-3 run. Whitman pushed its lead to double digits on another trey with 5:38 left in the half and enjoyed a 35-24 buffer after 20 minutes of action.

Host Whitman enjoyed at least a nine-point lead the entire second half en route to the win.

"Unfortunately we didn't play well on either end of the floor in either game this weekend, and when that happens you're going to have some lopsided games," said Head Coach Chad Murray.

Sam Noland paced the Lutes with 17 points and six rebounds while Riedel dripped 16 points, shooting six-for-eight from the field. Mikes Nash and Jack Williams joined Noland and Riedel in double figures, both dropping 10 points. 

PLU finished the game shooting 41.7 percent (25-for-60) from the field but the host Blues were scorching the nets, closing the game by shooting 59.6 percent (31-for-52) from the floor. 

"We will need to quickly regroup as we have a tough week ahead of us."

The Lutes return to action on Wednesday night, hosting crosstown rival University of Puget Sound at 8 p.m. inside Olson Gymnasium.