ORANGE, Calif.— Chapman hosted Texas Lutheran Saturday evening in their home opener for the 2024-25 season and gutted out a physical win 71-63. The Panthers remain a perfect 5-0 on their season. 

Junior guard Jake Heberle dominated with 21 points to lead all scorers on 8/14 from the field while also sinking three baskets from behind-the-arc. The Panthers had a total of four players put away at least seven points with Heberle, Blakeley Stoughton (11), Adam Damian (11) and Scott Schulz (7). 

The Panthers also dominated defensively, forcing Texas Lutheran to turn the ball over 20 times. Chapman capitalized scoring 27 points off those turnovers. The team maintained that momentum offensively, knocking down nine three-pointers while also limiting Texas Lutheran to just three made shots from beyond-the-arc. 

Moreover, forward Murphy Caffo led the Panthers with seven rebounds, three of which were offensive boards. Chapman out rebounded Texas Lutheran offensively 13-10 while also showcasing strong ball movement with 17 total assists for the game. 

Point guard Cruz Billings set the tone early and often allowing the Panthers to get into their set offenses with tons of ball movement, giving up the good shot for the great shot. Billings ended up leading the game with six assists. 

The Panthers will need to move on from this win quickly, as they prepare to host Willamette University Saturday, Nov. 23 at Hutton Sports Center at 7:00 p.m. to wrap up the weekend of back-to-backs.