PARKLAND, Wash. – One night after losing by 25 points to Pacific Lutheran, visiting Whitworth held off the Lutes for a 68-64 win on Saturday night in Olson Auditorium to create a tie atop the Northwest Conference men's basketball standings.

Liam Fitzgerald, who led a balanced Pirate scoring effort with 13 points, hit a pair of free throws with 3.8 seconds left to secure the win.

Whitworth (7-4 overall, 5-1 NWC) appeared determined to repay last night's blowout victory after opening a 15-point halftime lead (38-23).  The Pirates made 46% of their shots in the period and dominated the rebounding (23-14), including a 9-3 edge in offensive boards.  They also forced nine PLU turnovers in the half.

Whitworth kept the lead at double digits over the first ten minutes of the second half, but were not able to build separation from the Lutes (5-1 overall, 5-1 NWC).  The Pirates still led 53-38 with just over 12 minutes to go before PLU fought back.  The Lutes outscored the Pirates 22-6 over the next nine minutes, going ahead 60-59 on Sam Noland's free throw. 

Rowan Anderson responded with a tough jumper in the paint and then a three pointer stake Whitworth to a 64-60 lead.  PLU tied the game 64-64 on Ethan Smith's free throws with 1:52 left, but the Lutes would not score again as the Pirate defense made three key stops down the stretch.  Miguel Lopez hit a driving layup with 31 seconds to go and Fitzgerald was fouled after a PLU turnover with 3.8 seconds left.

Anderson and Lopez added 11 points each for Whitworth.  Fitzgerald and Lopez grabbed seven rebounds each as the Pirates finished with a 39-28 advantage on the boards.

Seth Hall led PLU in scoring for the second straight night with 18 points and also had 10 rebounds..  Smith added 11 and Joran Thomas totaled 10.

Whitworth will travel to Whitman next weekend for a pair of NWC games.