THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — Cal Lutheran men's basketball made a statement in their 70-66 win against No. 5 ranked Tufts University, handing the Jumbos their first loss of the season in an all-around team win on Thursday afternoon.
 
"Love how we can win and against a top team and also feel like we can be better," head coach Russell White said. "I'm excited for the guys and our program. Time to go to work on UT-Dallas!"

Patrick Renane posted 19 points and eight rebounds and Devon Lewis added 19 points along with three steals. Brock Susko also broke double-figures with 14 points. 
 
The game was tightly contested for its entirety. Renane scored 12 of his 19 points in the first half, leading the Kingsmen to a 34-30 lead at the break. Both teams struggled from three in the first half, with the Kingsmen shooting 25% (4-16) and the Jumbos shooting 22.2% (2-9).
 
The Kingsmen began the second half on a 9-2 run and led by as much as 10 points, the team's biggest lead. The Jumbos never wavered and kept it close the rest of the way, but the Kingsmen wouldn't trail until the final buzzer. 

It was a one-possession game as the final minute approached with the Kingsmen leading 63-60. Lewis knocked down a shot to extend the lead to five points, forcing the Jumbos to foul. Lewis finished the game going 5-6 from the free throw line to secure the win. 

Success from the stripe was a key factor in the win, as the Kingsmen only missed one free throw in 20 attempts (19-20, 95%). 

With the result, the Kingsmen could jump into the NCAA Top 25 poll and are now on a three-game winning streak. They look to continue their momentum in their next matchup, a home contest against Texas-Dallas tomorrow, Friday, Dec. 29 at 2 p.m.