Official NWC Release

TACOMA, Wash. — The Pacific Lutheran University men's basketball team is predicted to make a return to the postseason this winter, tying for third place in the annual Northwest Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll released on Wednesday afternoon.

The Lutes (14-12 in 2024-2025) sit tied for third place with crosstown nemesis University of Puget Sound after both Tacoma schools collected 44 points in the poll. Reigning NWC Champion Whitworth University tops the poll with 64 points and eight of the nine first place votes. Whitman College was picked second with 53 points and one first place endorsement. 

George Fox University and Lewis & Clark College are the top two Oregon schools, tying for fifth with 32 points. Pacific University sits seventh with 27 points followed by Linfield University in eighth (16 points) and Willamette University (12 points) in ninth.

The Lutes open the season next Wednesday with an exhibition against Division I Cal Poly. PLU begins NWC play inside Olson Gymnasium on Friday, January 2, hosting George Fox University.