THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – Cal Lutheran men's basketball (1-0, 0-0 SCIAC) opened its 2025 campaign with a gritty 57-51 (1-2, 0-0 NCAC) victory over Oberlin College on Wednesday night, overcoming early turnover struggles to secure the win.

With 200 total minutes to distribute among the lineup, the Kingsmen found early chemistry despite some growing pains typical of a season opener. 

Aidan Crawford led the way with an efficient 14 points (5/7 FG, 1/2 3FG) on just seven shot attempts, providing a steady scoring punch throughout.

Andrew Pipersburgh made his presence felt on the glass, hauling in 13 rebounds, six of them offensive, to give Cal Lutheran crucial second chance opportunities. 

Foul shooting proved vital, as the Kingsmen missed only four free throws while more than doubling Oberlin's attempts from the line.

Cal Lutheran's defense held firm against a strong perimeter effort from the Yeoman. Despite committing 21 turnovers to Oberlin's 12, the Kingsmen limited the damage by forcing difficult looks and capitalizing on their efficiency at the stripe.

Able to overcome early struggles, Cal Lutheran's depth, rebounding effort, and ability to close out in crunch time were on full display as they start the season in the win column.

The Kingsmen are back in action on Friday, Nov. 12 as they travel to Marietta, Ohio to battle Manchester College in the first of two contests in the Marietta Shrine Tournament.