Dec. 30, 2006

Lutes Defeat Thompson Rivers, 57-40, at PLU Classic

Nikki Johnson led a balanced scoring attack with 14 points as the Pacific Lutheran Lutes defeated Thompson Rivers University, 57-40, in the final game of the PLU Classic women’s basketball tournament in Olson Auditorium.

Johnson, a senior wing, hit 6-of-10 shots from the field to lead the PLU attack. Senior post Kezia Long added 10 points and five rebounds, and sophomore wing Abby McHugh came off the bench to scored 13 points and grab five boards for the Lutes.

PLU limited the Wolfpack to 21 percent shooting in the first half on the way to a 28-17 lead. TRU pulled to within eight points in the final five minutes, but McHugh hit a pair of three-point field goals to keep the Lutes safely in the lead.

Kellen O’Grady had 13 points and Sarah Cameron added 10 for the Wolfpack. Kali Ellis tallied nine points and a game-high 10 rebounds for the visitors from Kamloops, B.C.

Because Thompson Rivers is from Canada and plays a predominately Canadian schedule, the game is considered an exhibition for Pacific Lutheran. The game counts on the TRU record, which falls to 1-13 with the defeat.

Johnson was selected as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. She was joined on the all-tournament team by Long and McHugh from Pacific Lutheran, Cameron from Thompson Rivers, and Robin Taylor and Melissa Marek-Farris from George Fox.

- PLU -