ORANGE, CA. — Cal Lutheran men's basketball saw late heroics from Desi Burrage and Tommy Griffitts as the Kingsmen defeated Chapman 68-66. This brings their overall record to 3-4 and their conference record to 2-0. 

Griffitts led the squad with 12 points and Jake Martin came off the bench to add 11. Burrage was next with eight points and Devon Lewis, Brock Susko, Stephen Davis and Ryan Grande all had seven each.

Griffitts recorded a double-double as he added 11 rebounds and Riley O'Connor had eight more. Griffitts also led the team with three assists and Susko had three steals.

The Kingsmen opened the first half with a layup by Griffits. The Kingsmen carried this momentum to 4-2, but Chapman cut them off and raised their own score to 9-4. Susko stopped the Panthers from scoring anymore with a layup, but Chapman wasn't swayed. 

The Panthers reached a double-digit lead at 16-7 before Martin made a three-point jumpshot. Cal Lutheran finally found their momentum as they were down just 18-17.. The Panthers and the Kingsmen traded shots before the first half ended with Chapman narrowly had the lead 28-26.

The Kingsmen came back hungry to win, but the Panthers made the first few points in the second half. Cal Lutheran interrupted their momentum with a three-point shot by Susko.The Kingsmen and Panthers traded shots back and forth, climbing to 50-47. Chapman managed to tie the game before taking the lead 52-50. The Kingsmen didn't let them hold the lead for long as Griffits made a jump shot and tied the game. Cal Lutheran carried the momentum to 56-54, but Chapman didn't stay down and was able to tie the game. 

Burrage made a layup, taking back the lead, but Chapman tied them 58-58 shortly after once more. The Panthers began to take the lead once again, Lewis shut them down with a layup that made the score 62-61. The Panthers weren't giving up as they tied once more and took the lead. Martin didn't let Chapman hold it for long as he made a layup and the score was tied again. It did not last for long as Griffits made another layup. Burrage sealed the win for Cal Lutheran with two free throws that made the final score 68-66. 

The Kingsmen's next game will be against UC Santa Cruz on Sunday, Dec. 18, at 3 p.m.

Box Score: CLU 68, CU 66 
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