ORANGE, Calif. – All five starters were in double figures as the Chapman University men's basketball team started 2025 with a 79-71 win over No. 25 Cal Lutheran. Blakeley Stoughton led the Panthers with 22 points as Chapman improved to 10-2 overall and stayed perfect through the first three games of the SCIAC schedule.

The Kingsmen threw the first blow as they jumped out to a 15-6 lead over the first seven minutes. After a timeout settled the group, the Panthers reversed momentum over the next seven minute segment, outscoring the Kingsmen 19-3 to turn the nine-point deficit into a seven-point lead.

Once the Panthers took a 19-18 lead at the 9:17 mark on a three-pointer from Jake Heberle, they never trailed again against the nationally-ranked Kingsmen. The lead grew to as much as 14 points in the first half but dwindled down to four in the second half.

Every Kingsmen push was met with a resilient Chapman group that made a run right back to pad the lead. Chapman shot 48 percent on the night and knocked down nine three-pointers. Adam Damian played a crucial role in keeping the Panthers in front, knocking down a pair of three-pointers while scoring 15 points and grabbing four rebounds. He also recorded four assists and three steals without committing a turnover.

Heberle and Murphy Caffo equaled Damian with 15 points each while Cruz Billings filled out the box score with 11 points and five assists.

The Panthers continue SCIAC play on Wednesday with a trip to Whittier for a 7 p.m. tipoff.