ORANGE, Calif. - Cal Lutheran came close in completing its comeback attempt, but in the end fell short in a 58-54 road loss to Chapman. The Kingsmen cut the deficit to only two points late in the second half but never pulled even.

Box Score: CU 58, CLU 54 - F

Chapman jumped out to a 21-7 lead to begin Saturday's game and led by as many as 16 in the first half. Panthers starting guard Brandon Lin scored 11 of his game-high 20 points in the opening period.

In the second half Cal Lutheran's offense shot 54 percent from the field including a pair of three-pointers from Jayvaughn Nettles. His second closed the margin to 54-52 with 38 seconds left in regulation.

After a pair of Chapman free throw conversions Aaron Van Klaveren again cut the deficit to two points with 18 seconds remaining. He finished with a team-high 12 points and eight rebounds.

CLU was forced to put the Panthers on the line in hopes of a miss and having a chance to force overtime with one final possession. Chapman's Lin missed both free throws but the rebound went out of bounds to the Panthers.

Lin got a second chance with four seconds left and knocked down both to seal the victory. In a four point margin of victory it was free throws that played a crucial role in Saturday's result.

Chapman made 17-of-25 free throws including 14-of-18 in the second half. Cal Lutheran converted only 6-of-15 attempts including 5-of-10 in the second period.

Cal Lutheran will host UC Santa Cruz on Sunday, Dec. 18.