PORTLAND, Ore. – Lewis & Clark College used a 17-0 run that spanned the end of the first half and beginning of the second to defeat visiting Whitworth University 75-65 in a Northwest Conference men's basketball game on Friday night.

Tim Sellereit posted a career-high 27 points

The Pioneers (12-8 overall, 6-5 NWC) remained alive in the NWC playoff chase and dealt the Pirates (15-5, 8-3) a blow in Whitworth attempt at winning the conference title. However the Pirates remained tied in the loss column with Puget Sound (16-4, 9-3) for first place in the NWC standings after the Loggers fell at Linfield on Friday.

After trailing most of the first half, Whitworth rallied to tie the game 29-29 on Ryan Symes (Sr., F, Palo Alto, Calif.) three point play with 2:00 in the period. But L&C answered with three straight three-pointers, including a long bank shot at the buzzer, to take a 38-29 halftime lead. Then the Pioneers opened the second half on an 8-0 run and led 46-29 with just over 18 minutes to play.

But Whitworth steadily fought back behind Tim Sellereit (Jr., G, Bellingham, Wash.) who came off of the bench and finished with a career high 27 points while making 6 of 8 three point attempts.

Whitworth closed to within 60-52 with just over six minutes left, but could not score again until four minutes had passed. While Sellereit hit another three to pull Whitworth within 62-55, only 2:10 remained and L&C was able to make free throws down the stretch to hold on for the victory.

In addition to Sellereit's big night, Colin Willemsen totaled 16 points and seven rebounds and Symes finished with 10 points. Whitworth, the NWC's leader in rebounding margin, was outrebounded for the second straight game - this time 31-26. Both have been losses for the Pirates.

Lewis & Clark's leading scorer also came off of the bench as David Berggren made 5 of 9 three pointers for 21 points. Mark Robinowitz added 14 points for the Pioneers.

Whitworth will play at Pacific University on Saturday (6:00 p.m.). A win will keep the Pirates tied with UPS for first place in the league standings.