CLU Sports

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – The California Lutheran University men’s basketball team debuted at home in dramatic fashion, defeating Chapman University 53-50 on Saturday afternoon. The Kingsmen, now 3-1 overall, avenged its only loss of the season after dropping a two-point decision to Chapman (7-3) in late November.

Despite holding the lead from the 13:45 mark in the first half, the CLU advantage never grew to more than eight points and was cut to one twice in the final 30 seconds of the game. Cal Lutheran sank just 8-of-19 second half free throws allowing the Panthers to stay within striking range.

After holding an 18-15 advantage at the end of a sluggish first half, both teams displayed their offensive capabilities scoring 35 points each the following 20 minutes. The Kingsmen shot well from the field (.400) and the three-point line (.500), but struggled at the foul line (.481).

CLU sophomore Andy Meier made his presence felt in the post scoring a game-high 15 points and snatching a team-high eight rebounds. Deshion Inniss notched his fourth double-digit scoring output of the game netting 11 points.

The Panthers were able to keep it close throughout the game by getting the Kingsmen in early foul trouble and efficient free throw shooting. CLU committed its seventh second half personal foul with 13:14 remaining, putting Chapman in the bonus.

The Panthers would go on to make 15-of-18 attempts at the charity stripe, including 13-of-16 in the final frame. Jared Kaiser led Chapman with 10 points.

Chapman’s Kyle Wood launched a three-pointer with seven seconds remaining, but a melee for the rebound was won by the Kingsmen to dismiss the Panthers comeback.

Cal Lutheran will face North Central (IL) College on Monday, December 17th at 7:30 pm. The game will mark the end of the opening day of the Cal Lutheran/Caltech Classic. The Kingsmen will play host to the Gallaudet (DC) University and Caltech on Monday at 5:30 pm to open the tournament.

BOX SCORE: CLU 53, CHAP 50 F