Lady Knights Outlast New Hope in Foul-Fest
PORTLAND, Ore. - In their season home opener, Warner Pacific women's basketball defeated New Hope Christian 67-54 in foul-plagued and ragged contest.
A total of 61 fouls were committed during the 40 minutes of action, resulting in 85 free throw attempts for the two teams combined.
The host Knights (1-0) managed to build a 4-0 lead in the early going on four free throws, but it was New Hope that benefitted the most from the referee's whistle in the first half. The Deacons led by as many as 12 points and enjoyed a 28-18 advantage with less than 20 seconds remaining in the opening period.
Hannah Mocaby drained a three pointer at the buzzer for WP to make the score 28-21 at the break, but head coach
Matt Gregg was not happy with the 24 free throws that NHCC attempted in the first half.
The visiting Deacons (0-3) maintained their lead in the second half thanks to more free throws and the inside presence of Lei Lolohea, who finished with 12 rebounds.
Warner Pacific finally tied the game midway through the period at 37-37, and eventually built a five point lead thanks to a 11-0 run. New Hope immediately responded and went on a 7-0 run to reclaim the lead at the 8:48 mark. The fouls continued to rack up for both teams but it was NHCC that began to feel the effects. Three Deacons eventually were disqualified including Lolohea, leaving fewer options down the stretch.
The Knights reeled off 10 straight points to take control, and ended the game by outscoring New Hope 18-2 to claim the non-conference victory.
Ali Campbell made her season debut and made an impact with 18 points and 18 rebounds for Warner Pacific.
Jordan Wilcox added 18 points, while
Lorena Torres passed for six assists in her first action of the year.
Lolohea added 15 points to her 12 rebounds for New Hope. Jess Logan also scored 15 points, while Dorian Perkey added 14 counters.
New Hope as a team made 31 of 47 tries from the free throw line, while WPC converted 21 of 38 attempts.