TACOMA,Wash.—The Pacific Lutheran University men's basketball team exploded for 60 points in the first half, which saw Ben Tellez fill up the cup with 25 first half points leading to a 97-54 victory over Douglas College marking their sixth straight win on Monday evening.

The Lutes came in today's contest at 5-2 overall with a five game win streak. PLU adds to their all-time lead in the series over the Royals at 3-0.

"We were really excited that we got a chance to get everyone in the game tonight," Head Coach Chad Murray mentioned. "Ben was incredible in the first half and then I thought Cam Rice was awesome in the second half to finish off a productive night for our team."

PLU started off the game hot shooting 54.55% from the field and 11-of-21 (52.38%) from beyond the three-point arc. Tellez had the hot hand working off different variations of dribble hand off and screen getting to his spots and knocking in contested jump shots. Tellez led all scorers with 27 points and finished with six three pointers and four rebounds. Tellez's third game of the year with 20+ points and five or more three-pointers made.

After taking a 60-28 lead at the half, the second unit of the Lutes continued to pour it on as Rice left his mark on the game with 15 points, nine rebounds, and five assists in only 18 minutes of play. Henry Smith also finished in double-figures with 11 points nailing timely loud three-pointer energizing the PLU bench. Mack Hepper rounds out the double-digit scoring leaders for the Lutes with 10 points and a busy day in the passing lanes on defense and offense with three steals and three assists.

In a game where every Lute played minutes tonight and 12/15 scored a basket, PLU finished with 43 bench points their most on the season. For the second time this season PLU has hit 17 three-pointers in a game. The Lutes offense showed out tonight, but their defense also kept the Royals at bay forcing 28 turnovers which led to 32 points off turnovers.

Pacific Lutheran returns to action on Thursday December 18 at 6 pm as they play an exhibition game against the Saint Martin's University Saints.