Defensive Effort Pushes TLU to 62-40 Win Over Pacific Lutheran

PARKLAND, WA -- Texas Lutheran proved their patented defense travels on Friday. After traveling all day Thursday, the Bulldogs swarmed Pacific Lutheran in a 62-40 win as Texas Lutheran opened their west coast road trip on Friday.

After a slow start in the first quarter that saw the Bulldogs trail 13-12, Texas Lutheran would limit the Lutes to single-digits in each of the final three quarters, forcing 22 turnovers and holding the Lutes to a 26.4 shooting percentage.

Kailee Mulkey (New Braunfels/New Braunfels) led the Bulldogs with 17 points, including going 4-of-8 from deep while Angelina Sotelo (San Marcos/San Marcos) finished with 15 points while also finishing 4-of-8 from deep. Kayla Presley (Kyle/San Marcos) dished out a season-high six assists and added 11 points and Sarahi Jones (Los Fresnos/Los Fresnos) chipped in with nine points, eight rebounds, two steals, and a block. Juliana Tapia (San Antonio/O'Connor) was a spark plug for the Bulldogs off the bench leading the Bulldogs second unit with eight points, five rebounds, and two steals.

Texas Lutheran only managed 12 points on a 3-for-12 (25%) start as the Bulldogs trailed 13-12 after a first quarter that saw both teams struggle from the field. The Bulldogs responded by outscoring the Lutes 13-9 in the second quarter - led by six points from Mulkey - to take a 25-22 lead into halftime.

Texas Lutheran would have their best quarter in the third - scoring 25 points on 47.1% shooting. Sotelo would take over in the third, scoring nine points in the period, going 3-for-3 from deep.

TLU would lead for the entire duration of the fourth quarter - leading by as many as 27 points. TLU would hold PLU to 22.2% shooting in the second half as they pulled away to close the game. Texas Lutheran also outscored PLU 18-1 in points off turnovers.

Next up, Texas Lutheran continues their west coast road trip on Saturday, Nov. 23 as they travel to Tacoma, Washington, to face Puget Sound. Tip-off is set for 8 PM CST/ 6 PM PST. All streaming and live stats links will be available on tlubulldogs.com.

Fans can receive updates by following @tluathletics & @tluwbb on X (Twitter) and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the TLU Athletics Facebook page at @tlubulldogs or by visiting the team's Instagram page at @tluwbb and as always follow TLU athletics on all of our social channels for updates on all things TLU Athletics.