"We finished the game the way we drew it up in the huddle," said head coach Dick Peth. "Jake just made a great shot. He didn't have it on ball side there, and he took it to the other side of the basket and put it home."

A full capacity crowd of 1,850 was on hand to see the game that took all 80 minutes to decide. A game that featured more than ten lead changes in the second half, including eight in the final 11 minutes.

"When these two teams play, you generally can throw out the records," said Peth. "This is usually the type of game that usually ends up a last-possession game."

The Knights started off a little slow falling behind 5-0 at the outset. Junior Troy Osterhaus proceeded to put up Wartburg's first 10 points to give them a 10-9 lead after six and a half minutes of play.

The two teams went back and forth before heading into the locker room with Luther on top, 26-25.

"At halftime the big emphasis was on rebounding," said Osterhaus. "They had 11 offensive rebounds in the first half, and we held them to only one in the second half."

The Knights came out in the second half and took an early lead only to relinquish it again.

Wartburg managed to stay close through the first nine minutes of the second half. That was all the Knights needed to give themselves a chance for a victory.

With 1:47 remaining, Luther took a 55-53 lead, but failed to make basket after an unsuccessful Wartburg possession.

The Knights took advantage with freshman Mike Pipho making the shot with 56 seconds left to play.

After a defensive stop, junior Pat Morrison was fouled and made two free throws, giving Wartburg a 57-55 advantage with 21 seconds to go.

Luther then called a timeout and set up a play that resulted in a three-pointer and a one point lead. Wartburg called a timeout of their own and designed the winning play.

"The play was basically like a pick-and-go drill we run in practice," said Jake Olsen. "The first option just happened to be open and [Erik] Book made a great pass. I[m not sure how he got it in there."

The home crowd went wild as Olsen[s shot fell in.

"The crowd definitely gave us a home court advantage," said Osterhaus. "I[m not sure anyone even heard the buzzer go off."

Leading the way on the offensive end was Osterhaus who had a game high 18 points and three steals.

Pipho and Olsen scored 13 and eight points respectively. Olsen also pulled down four rebounds along with junior Marty Leary's five boards.

Senior Erik Book dished out four assists for the Knights.