The Pioneers inched past the Pacific Lutheran Lutes 78-73 on
Saturday, January 31 at Pamplin Sports Center (boxscore). The second
place Pioneers were without their standout point guard Josh
Kollasch, who was sidelined with illness.
After shooting just 14.3% from the floor in the first 10 minutes of
the half, the Lutes took a 21-8 point lead, shooting an impressive
53.3% from the floor, including 50.0% from beyond three point
range. In the final 10 minutes of the half, the Pioneers closed in
on the Lutes, narrowing their lead to just five points several
times. Led by senior David Berggren (Tualatin, Ore.), the Pioneers
made up for their 10 minute dry spell by finishing the half at
42.4% from the floor. However, the Lutes maintained their lead,
entering halftime with a four point lead on 44.1% shooting from the
floor.
The Pioneers started the half on a 7-0 run in first 3 minutes of
play, taking their first lead of the game at 43-40. Just two
minutes later, the Lutes regained the lead on a three pointer to
put them ahead by two. At the 14:22 mark, Tyson Papenfuss threw
down a slam dunk on a fast break that filled the gymnasium with
adrenaline favoring the Pioneers. The next ten minutes revealed
multiple lead changes and tied scores, but in the final seven
minutes of the half, the Pioneers took a lead that would not be
overturned again. With 3:30 to go in the ball game, the Pioneers
held an eight point lead at 68-60. Despite the Lutes'
attempts to recover, the Pioneers held them off, with a solid
performance from the free throw line in the final minute of play to
put the Lutes away 78-73.
The Pioneers were led by five different players in double-digit
scoring. Tyson Papenfuss (sr., Clackamas, Ore.) led the way with 15
points on 5-9 shooting from the floor. David Berggren added 14
points and seven rebounds. Tyler Tsukazaki (jr., Honolulu, Hawaii)
contributed a solid performance of 14 points, nine of which came
from beyond three-point range. James Hollins (fr., Tucson, Ariz.)
earned a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, while PJ
Taylor had a career night with 10 points.
With the win, the Pioneers hold onto their second place standing,
tied with Whitworth with a conference record of 7-3. They will
return to action on Friday, February 6, when they travel to
Newberg, Ore. to take on the George Fox Bruins. Tip off of that
game is at 8 pm.
