Dec. 16, 2006

Dressler Scores 28 But Lutes Fall, 80-75

Game Statistics

Josh Dressler - 28 points

TACOMA, Wash. – Josh Dressler from Pacific Lutheran and Devon Conner-Green from Evergreen State each poured in 28 points, but it was the visiting Geoducks who came out on top, 80-75, in a non-conference men’s basketball game played Saturday night at Olson Auditorium.

With the victory, Evergreen improves to 5-6. Pacific Lutheran lost its third straight game and is now 4-3 for the season.

The visiting Geoducks stayed away from the three-point shot for the most part, attempting just four during the game. Their ability to get close-range looks at the basket paid off as they shot 59 percent for the game. Conner-Green was 10-of-12 from the field and also knocked in 7-of-8 at the foul line. He also led all players with 12 rebounds. Adam Moore also had a solid shooting game, making 8-of-14 from the field and finishing with 20 points.

The Geoducks attempted 35 free throws to just nine for the Lutes, but the visitors from Olympia made just 19 of their charity tosses, or the their victory margin could have been bigger. As it was, they survived a late challenge by the Lutes. Kurt Oliver knocked in a long three-point field with 20 seconds left to pull the Lutes to within two points, 77-75. After a free throw by Moore, the Lutes had a chance to tie the game with another three-pointer, but Jermaine Smith stole a pass and converted two foul shots with 3.9 seconds left to wrap up the victory for the Geoducks. Smith finished the game with 14 points.

Dressler led the Lutes with 28 points, including four consecutive three-point field goals early in the second half. Dressler was 6-of-15 from long-range and the Lutes were 13-of-31 from beyond the arc for the game.

Senior wing Josh Vanlandingham added 17 points and Jared Brandeberry had 10 for the Lutes.

Pacific Lutheran returns to action on Dec. 27 with a game at Concordia in Portland, Ore.

- PLU -