TACOMA, Wash. — A lethargic start proved costly on Friday evening, as the Pacific Lutheran University men's basketball team was unseated 80-60 by Northwest Conference rival Pacific University inside Olson Gymnasium.

The Boxers (6-9, 2-3 NWC) never trailed on Friday night, posting nine of the game's first 11 points and opening a double-digit advantage with 13:04 left in the first half. 

The Lutes (7-7, 1-4 NWC) closed within single digits on a Charlie Kapranos putback but the Boxers scored 11 of the half's final 14 points, enjoying a 40-23 lead at the break.

Pacific continued to put its foot on the throttle early in the second half, scoring the opening eight points of the period en route to the 20-point win.

"We've really struggled with turnovers and that issue really got us again tonight," said Head Coach Chad Murray.

"We just can't seem to get past it and it really puts pressure on all the other aspects of the game. I thought we did a much better job in the second half of moving the ball crisply and finding opportunities to get some better looks. I hope that will continue into tomorrow's game."

Mack Hepper paced the Lutes with 14 points, hitting three treys and dishing out three assists. Henry Smith hit three three-pointers, coming off the bench and scoring 11 along with four assists. Kapranos tallied his third straight game in double figures with 10 while leading the team on the boards with six rebounds. 

Anthony Hrboka was a pest all night for the Lutes, scoring 24 points in 30 minutes of action to lead Pacific.

Pacific finished the game shooting 54.5 percent (12-for-22) from three-point range and owned a 37-29 rebounding edge.
 
The Lutes close out the homestand tomorrow evening, hosting Linfield University at 5 p.m.