Sharp, Harris Lead Warner Pacific Over Cavs
BOX SCORE
PORTLAND, Ore. – Warner Pacific held off a strong challenge from Concordia tonight at Bart Valentine Court, coming away with an 80-76 win in Cascade Conference play.
The game came down to the wire, but it was the host Knights who made the crucial plays in the closing moments.
After WP’s Biniam Tadele missed a jump shot, Concordia trailed 76-73 and had possession with 30 seconds to play. CU called timeout to set up a play, but the plans went astray thanks to a steal and breakout layup from William Sharp. Moments later, the Knights came up with another steal and bucket, this time from Stephen Harris with seven seconds to play. Jourdan Sweeney drained a long three pointer for the Cavaliers as time expired, but it was too little, too late.
The finish was not unexpected, as the lead changed hands nine times over the course of the game. The early action was controlled by the visiting Cavaliers, as a basket from Adam Herman gave CU a 21-13 lead ten minutes into the contest. The next few minutes were all Warner Pacific as the Knights scored 18 unanswered points capped by a Doug Thomas score. The eight point WP deficit quickly turned into a 31-21 lead. The teams traded buckets the rest of the half, and Warner Pacific took a 41-33 lead into the break.
WP maintained a small lead for the first part of the second period, but Concordia whittled away until finally taking a 67-65 lead at the 6:19 mark on a steal and breakaway dunk from Kevan West. Harris would respond with a clutch three pointer on the next possession to give the lead back to Warner Pacific, which set up the exciting final action of the game.
Sharp and Harris led the Knights with 16 points each, while freshman Doug Thomas and Treavone Bowie added 12 and 10 points respectively. The Knights shot 48 percent as a team, but hit just 5 of 26 attempts from behind the arc.
Sweeney led all scorers, dropping in 21 points for Concordia. Adam Herman registered a double-double, scoring 18 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.
With the result, Warner Pacific improves to 10-3 overall and 3-0 in CCC play. Concordia falls to 8-5 and 1-2.