BOX SCORE

PORTLAND, Ore. - The Lewis & Clark men's basketball team won the second half against the Pacific Lutheran Lutes on Friday night, but it was not enough to earn them the Northwest Conference victory. The Lutes pulled out a 65-59 win over the host Pioneers. 

The Pioneers fall to 12-6 on the season and 5-4 in conference. The Lutes move to 7-11 overall and 4-5 in the NWC. 

L&C outscored PLU 34-32 in the second half of play, but it was not enough to dig them out of the 33-25 hole they found themselves in at halftime. The Pios picked up 18 points on turnovers and 14 from their bench. 

Justin Leathers lead all players with a game-high 17 points, finishing 11-of-13 from the free-throw line. The junior forward also led the Pioneers with nine rebounds and a block.  Connor Freeberg ended the game with 11 points and five boards, while Quentin Sims knocked down eight points.

Brandon Lester led the Lutes with 16 points, while teammate Bryce Miller collected the games only double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds. 

Sims got the game going for the Pioneers with a three-point less than a minute into the contest. The Lutes battled back tying the game two times before taking the lead for good with 17:21 to play in the half.

Trailing 33-25 to start the second half, Bradley Carter pulled the Pioneers within two points on a turn around jumper with 10:55 on the clock. Lewis & Clark would keep Pacific Lutheran within striking distance the rest of the way, but would be unable to find a way to take over the lead. 

Lewis & Clark returns to the court on Saturday, Feb. 1 at 8 p.m. as they host the Puget Sound Loggers.