written by Liam Flenniken

CLAREMONT, Calif. – Devon Lewis nailed a game-winning shot with eleven seconds left to lift Cal Lutheran over Claremont-Mudd-Scripps 78-76 on the road on Wednesday night. 

It was a strong first half for CMS (11-4, 5-1), who took a seven-point lead into the break while outshooting the Kingsmen 48% (14-29) to 38% (12-32) from the field and 41% (7-17) to 39% (7-18) from three.  

Cal Lutheran (13-3, 6-1) flipped the script, however, starting the second half on a 12-2 run while shooting 66% (19-29) from the field to the Stags' 46% (13-28), and 67% (4-6) from three to 46% (5-11). 

Despite the Kingsmen's strong start to the second half, they found themselves tied with 41 seconds left after a Stags three-pointer. On the ensuing possession, Lewis worked a defender, and with two seconds left on the shot clock, caught a dish from Stephen Davis, maneuvered a step-back to his left, and heaved a deep jumper to give the Kingsmen the lead. CMS had a chance to tie, but the Stags jumper was no-good, sealing the co-leading sixth SCIAC win for Cal Lutheran. 

This marks the Kingsmen's first win this season in which they were trailing at halftime. 

"Just another day in the SCIAC. The team competed for 40 minutes on the road and found a way," Head Coach Russell White said.

This marks the first conference loss for the Stags and puts Cal Lutheran at the top of the SCIAC standings. 

The Kingsmen are back in action at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25 at Whittier. 

Key Stats:
Tommy Griffitts - 23 PTS, 7 REB, 3 AST, 2 STL
Devon Lewis - 20 PTS, 5 REB, 2 AST
Matthew Verkamp - 20 PTS, 1 REB, 3 AST