THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – Cal Lutheran men's basketball (5-4, 1-1 SCIAC) was defeated by Emerson (6-3, 2-0 NEWMAC) on Friday afternoon at home, 66-62. The Kingsmen were able to secure 20 offensive rebounds in the effort, but it wasn't enough to secure a victory.

Points were hard to come by for everyone in the first half, as both teams shot 40% or below from the field and 15% or below from beyond the arc. With the score tied at 12 midway through the period, Cal Lutheran was able to get something going offensively with six points from freshman PJ Jourdain and a jumper from Ryder Mjoen to take a 20-14 lead.

A layup from Aidan Crawford extended the Kingsmen lead to 7, but the Lions finished off the half with six-straight points to tie it at 28 heading into the break.

Another quick five points by Emerson to begin the second half put Cal Lutheran in a hole, but a fastbreak layup by Matthew Verkamp retook the lead for the Kingsmen at 40-39. Both teams continued trading baskets, eventually tying the game at 52 with under nine minutes to play.

A jumper and a three-pointer by Emerson gave it a five-point lead, and the Kingsmen were unable to regain the lead at any point the rest of the way, getting within three at a few different points. Eventually the Lions outlasted Cal Lutheran 66-62.

The Kingsmen played physically against a tall Emerson lineup, grabbing 20 offensive rebounds and recording season-highs of 17 free-throws made on 23 attempts.

Mjoen led his team in scoring and rebounding, with 12 points and seven boards. Crawford added 10 points.

Cal Lutheran will take some time off for the holidays before returning to action at home against Hardin-Simmons on December 30 at 3pm.