written by Liam Flenniken

ORANGE, Calif. – Despite double-digit efforts from four players, the Kingsmen started the new year on the wrong foot, falling to Chapman University 79-71 on Saturday evening. 

The loss snapped a nine-game winning streak for the Kingsmen, dating back to November 21 against Whitworth. 

Devon Lewis, Desi Burrage, Tommy Griffitts, and Jake Martin all tallied double-digit points with 17, 12, 10, and 12 respectively, with Martin's coming off the bench. 

Cal Lutheran (9-3, 2-1) got off to a strong start, leading Chapman (10-2, 3-0) 18-13 halfway through the first half. The Panthers answered, however, going on a 12-0 run to take a seven-point lead. Chapman was off and running from there, taking a five-point lead into halftime. 

The Kingsmen shot a lowly 35% from the field and 29% from three in the first half. 

This was the first time the Kingsmen trailed at the break since their aforementioned loss to Whitworth.

Cal Lutheran came out of the half with much improved shooting, 56% from the field and 50% from three, but were kept at bay by the Panthers and were never able to cut the lead to fewer than four. 

Head coach Russell White said the team just needs to get back to basics and not try to do too much, especially on defense. 

"Simply need to get back to some fundamentals on the defensive end," White said. 

Cal Lutheran is back in action Saturday, January 11 at 4 p.m. 

Key Stats:
Devon Lewis - 17 PTS, 1 REB, 1 AST
Desi Burrage - 12 PTS, 6 REB, 1 STL
Tommy Griffitts - 10 PTS, 4 REB, 2 AST, 1 BLK, 1 STL
Jake Martin - 12 PTS, 5 REB