POMONA, Calif. - The Lewis & Clark men's basketball team came back from a 17 point deficit on Saturday night to defeat Pomona-Pitzter 74-68 in the Wells Classic.

The Pioneers were led by 17 points from Serg Ovchinnikov, who hit all but one of his eight free-throws, while draining two three pointers. Cannen Roberson added 14 points, while Jason Luhnow and Justin Leathers also finished in double figures with 12 and 11 points respectively. Luhnow collected a game-high nine rebounds, while also earning seven assists and two steals.

The Sagehens were led by Michael Cohen who netted 18 points, while teammate Gibson Farone-Collins scored 14.

The first half was not kind to the Pioneers who trailed by as much as 17 points with 6:41 left in the half. Lewis & Clark was able to gain some ground in the final minutes of the half cutting their deficit to 37-31. 

The Pioneers maintained the momentum at the start of the second half, going on a 7-0 run to tie the game at 38 all. The two sides knotted up the score again at 54-54. Leathers broke the deadlock with a three-pointer with 4:31 on the clock, earning the Pioneers the lead for good.

Leathers and Ovchinnikov extended the Pioneers lead to seven with two put backs, while a Roberson three earned the team a 10-point, 64-54, advantage with 1:26 to go. The Sagehens earned some points back in the final minute, but not enough to overcome the Pioneers.

The Pioneers return to the court on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. when they travel to take on Northwest Christian.