THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - Cal Lutheran men's basketball had never lost a home game to Redlands since joining the SCIAC in 1991 entering Saturday. On CLU's "Senior Night" the Kingsmen pushed that streak to 21 games following a hard fought 65-59 victory.

Box Score: CLU 65, UR 59 - F

Cal Lutheran seniors John Wilson, Aaron Van Klaveren, and Xavier Walton were recognized prior to Saturday's game as the trio played in the final home game of their respective collegiate careers. Despite dwindling post-season aspirations, these three stressed to the rest of their team the importance of Saturday's contest.

The message was heard loud and clear by the rest of the Kingsmen roster. A physical game between these them and the Bulldogs ensued with CLU's Jayvaughn Nettles, Walton, and Mike Harris playing the full 40 minutes. Nettles and Harris finished with 19 points and 18 points respectively, but it may have been the final significant play that summed up their efforts on Saturday night.

Trailing by six with only seconds remaining Redlands attempted to inbound the ball in hopes of a last ditch comeback try. Nettles sprinted to the sideline to cut off the pass and threw the ball blindly back into play before running into and diving over the scorer's table. Harris saw the developing action, dove to the ground and grabbed possession before the Bulldogs could corral the loose ball.

It was that type of physical play that lasted throughout the entirety of Saturday's game. Redlands completed its comeback and nearly ended its 20-plus year road losing streak at Cal Lutheran.

Redlands trailed by as many as 14 points in the second half before pulling even with Cal Lutheran 59-59 with 1:16 left in regulation. However the Kingsmen willed themselves to victory scoring the final six points from that point on.

Early on UR's Jack Colston was a force inside scoring 14 points and grabbing nine rebounds in the opening half. Aaron Van Klaveren's defensive assignment got going in part to CLU's big man being charged with a pair of early fouls.

After a very strong first half, Colston did not enjoy the same success as Van Klaveren stayed on the court for 16 of 20 second half minutes. Colston finished with 22 points, 15 rebounds three assists and two steals.

Teammates Stephen Call and Mychal Estrada attempted to pick up the scoring combining to shoot 5-of-7 from three, but Cal Lutheran's team effort was too much in the end.

An inspired effort off the bench from Ryan Burris featured three blocked shots, two rebounds, a basket and a steal in just four second half minutes. Collin Kundsen scored four points, grabbed two steals and dished out an assist in the victory.

The senior Walton took the final Kingsmen shot from the floor making a driving lay-up that put them up 63-59 with under 30 seconds left. He led Cal Lutheran with five assists and now has over 200 for his career following Saturday night's effort.

Cal Lutheran enhanced its very slim chances at a SCIAC Post-Season Tournament berth with its victory over Redlands. The Kingsmen first need to win their regular season finale on Tuesday, Feb. 21, at Occidental for any chance.

All three of the other conference contests taking place have an effect on Cal Lutheran's playoff chances. Caltech must win on the road against Redlands, and Pomona-Pitzer must finish tied or ahead of Whittier in the final regular season conference standings.