Early Warner Run Catapults Knights to Rare Win in Caldwell
CALDWELL, Idaho - A 25-5 run midway through the first half built Warner Pacific a lead they would never relinquish, as the No. 21 ranked Knights ended a four-year drought at The College of Idaho, stopping the Coyotes, 77-68, in the J.A. Albertson Activites Center.
The Knights (13-8, 8-4 CCC), who have won five of their last six games, never trailed in the contest, but led just 9-8 at the 15:36 mark of the opening half. However, a pair of Josh Jackson three's got the run started, as WP led 41-24 at the half.
The host Coyotes (10-12, 7-5) would not go away, cutting the lead to 56-51 on a Steffen Spinks three with eight minutes left, but could not get closer. Warner would 20-of-23 free throws on the night to sew away their first win in Idaho since the 2002-03 season.
Scott O'Gallagher led WP with 21 points, as 74 of the 77 points scored by the victors came from their starting five. Jalonta Martin ahd 19 points and eight rebounds, with Jackson adding 16.
J.R. Maggard led The C of I with 17 points, but 18 turnovers - including 13 in the first half, hurt the Coyotes chances. It ended the Yotes four-game home win streak.
The Yotes return to action next weekend, traveling to Southern Oregon for a Friday night game.