SAINT PAUL, MINN.—The Hamline University men's basketball team welcomed Luther to Hutton Arena for a Saturday-afternoon battle. The Norse battled back from a 14-point deficit with under five minutes remaining, but the Pipers held them off with a  61-58 victory.

Hamline improves to 1-1, while Luther falls to 1-1.

Hamline 61, Luther 58

All seven of the game's lead changes occurred in the opening half. The back-and-forth play reflected the score as both teams went into the locker room with a 29-29 tie. The Pipers either led or tied in the second half, where they jumped to their largest advantage of the game at 58-44 with 4:43 remaining.

The Pipers struggled at the free throw line down the stretch, as they missed six attempts within the final five minutes. This ignited Luther's 14-3 run to close the contest, which cut their deficit to 61-58.

Bradley Cimperman led Hamline with a double-double 18 points and 10 boards, followed by Austin Holt's double-double 16 points and 11 rebounds. Mick Wherely added 15 points, while Daniel McCarrell dished a game-high five assists along with 12 points.

Hamline shot .467 (28-60) from the field, against Luther's .397 (23-58) mark.

Aidan Bailey paced Luther with 13 points.

The Pipers will travel to Martin Luther on Tuesday, November 15 for a 7 p.m. game.