The Pioneer men's basketball team took charge in their second conference game of the weekend defeating the Pacific Lutheran Lutes 78-69 in Tacoma, Washington (boxscore). The Pioneers entered the contest tied with the Lutes in conference with a record of 0-1 after falling to nationally ranked #21 UPS on Friday.

The Pioneers quickly took control of the game in the first half, out-shooting the Lutes 42.4% to 39.4% from the floor, including a perfect 7-7 from the free-throw line. Both teams earned the same number of shot attempts, but the Pioneer defensive pressure was more than the Lute offense could handle, forcing 11 Lute turnovers in the first 20 minutes of play. Led by the offensive attack of center Tyson Papenfuss (Sr., Clackamas, Ore.) with 10 points from inside the paint, the Pioneers ended the half with a 40-30 lead.

In the second half, the Pioneers continued to find success from the floor, going 12-24. After the Pioneers maintained a solid lead for the first 16 minutes of the half, the Lutes launched an offensive attack, coming within six points of the Pioneers at the 3:50 mark. But the Pioneers rebutted the Lute comeback attempt, guided by the impressive performance of point guard Josh Kollasch (Jr., Tucson, Ariz.), who responded by scoring 12 of the Pioneers' last 14 points to hold off the Lutes 78-69.

Josh Kollasch (Jr., Tucson, Ariz.) led all scorers with 25 points, adding eight rebounds and five assists. Tyson Papenfuss and James Edwards (Fr., Carmichael, Calif.) each contributed 12 points in the victory. David Berggren (Sr., Tualatin, Ore.) led the Pioneers in assists with six.

The Pioneers are now 1-1 in conference play and 7-4 overall. They will return to play on Friday, January 9, when they host George Fox at Pamplin Sports Center. Tip off is set for 8 pm immediately following the women's game at 6 pm.