Nov. 17, 2006

Lutes Give Dickerson Win in PLU Coaching Debut

Game Statistics

Pacific Lutheran gave new head coach Steve Dickerson a win in his first game as the Lutes’ head coach, defeating the Menlo Oaks, 80-74, on Friday afternoon at the UPS Tip-Off Classic.

Forward Jared Brandeberry scored 22 points and point guard Landon Heidenreich had a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds in the Lutes’ successful season opener.

Pacific Lutheran made 7-of-13 shots from three-point range and limited Menlo to 26 percent shooting in the first half in building a 37-26 halftime lead. The second half was a different story, however, as the Oaks from Atherton, Calif., shot 53 percent in the second half to make the game very interesting. PLU didn’t shot about 42 percent in both halves, but nine three-point field goals provided the difference for the Lutes.

Brandeberry, a transfer from Wenatchee Valley College, made 8-of-11 shots from the field, including all three of his three-point attempts, and he added seven rebounds. Heidenreich, a three-year starter, made 7-of-10 from the foul line and added four assists while playing 39 minutes. Josh Dressler also played 39 minutes and scored 16 points for the winners. Josh Vanlandingham, the team’s leading returning scorer from last season, came off the bench to tally 12 points in 19 minutes.

Israel Torres was tough inside for the Oaks, making the most of his 6-8 frame to score a game-high 26 points while making 10-of-16 shots. Craig Haberlein had 16 points off the bench for Menlo, which also got 12 points from Bryon Wesley. The Oaks made 23-of-27 at the foul line, good for 85 percent, but hit just 3-of-10 from beyond the three-point arc.

The Lutes return to action at 4 p.m. Saturday, facing the UC Santa Cruz Banana Slugs at the UPS Tip-Off Classic.

-PLU-