Fast Start Sends Warner Pacific Past SOU
BOX SCORE
Warner Pacific jumped out to a 14-2 lead in the first seven minutes, then held off a second half run from Southern Oregon to secure a 61-49 win tonight at Bart Valentine Court.
Chelsey Christensen scored 15 points in the first period, helping the Knights to an advantage that reached as many as 17 points. The WPC defense was also a factor, holding the visiting Raiders to 23 percent shooting in the half.
Trailing 31-18 at the break, Southern Oregon scored the first five points of the second period to make the score 31-23 but would get no closer. Cameryn Calhoun provided key baskets during the period, and gave WP their largest lead of the game (49-33) with a long three point make at the 11:16 mark.
Molly Doran kept the Raiders within shouting distance by hitting four shots from behind the arc in the half, the last of which cut the Knight lead again to eight points (57-49) with 3:11 to play. The WPC defense clamped down at that point, holding the Raiders scoreless the rest of the way and the Knights hit 4 of 6 attempts from the free throw line to salt away the victory.
Christensen finished with 17 points to pace the host Knights, while Calhoun added 15 points and four assists. Kelsey Mattsen also filled the stat sheet with 14 points and seven assists.
SOU was led by RaTanya Newsome's 20 points and seven assists. Doran was also in double figure scoring with 12.
Warner Pacific improves to 14-8 overall and 8-3 in CCC play, while Southern Oregon falls to 12-11 and 3-9.