Mattsen Leads Knights Past Corban, 72-59
PORTLAND, Ore. – Kelsey Mattsen scored a game high 25 points for Warner Pacific to lead the Knights to a 72-59 win over Corban tonight at C.C. Perry Gym.
The junior from Portland hit 6 of 9 shots from the floor and 13 of 15 from the free throw line to pace the Knight offense. The WP defense also played a part, holding the visiting Warriors to 36.5 percent shooting for the game.
The first half started close, as the teams fought to a 11-11 tie early on. From there the Knights went on a 11-1 run to build a ten point advantage and would lead by as many as 12. Corban battled back and trimmed their deficit to a mere three points at the 1:11 mark, but a layup from Miranda Holenstein and a three pointer from Layne Tucker sent Warner Pacific into the break with a 35-27 lead.
A quick start to the second period from WP sent the Knights to their largest lead of the game at 45-29 with 16:56 to play. The margin stayed around ten points for the rest of game, though Corban closed within five points (52-47) but could draw no closer.
In addition to Mattsen’s 25 points, Cameryn Calhoun added 12 points and 9 assists for Warner Pacific. Katie Smith turned in her second strong performance in a row with 12 points, five rebounds, and four blocks.
Corban was paced by Katie Steigelman with 16 points and eight rebounds, and Tess Bennett added 15 points.
Warner Pacific will host Northwest Christian tomorrow night, while Corban heads across Portland to take on Concordia. Start time is 7:30 pm for both contests.