Big Second Half Propels Knights Over NHCC
PORTLAND, Ore. - A strong second half from Warner Pacific resulted in a 89-71 victory for the Knights over New Hope Christian in a non-conference matchup tonight.
The Basics
• Score: Warner Pacific 89, New Hope Christian 71
• Records: WPC (4-1), NHCC (0-5)
• Location: C.C. Perry Gym, Portland, Ore.
• The Short Story: The visiting Deacons matched WPC point for point in the first period, and only a Michael Hall putback gave the Knights a 37-34 lead at halftime. WPC found some space around the rim for easier scores in the second period, while holding the Deacons to 2 of 13 shooting from behind the arc. The Knights also received a boost from their bench with 37 points from the non-starters for the game.
How it Happened
• WPC managed to build a 15-9 lead in the opening action thanks to six straight points from Doug Thomas.
• The visitors were determined to make a good showing and found cracks in the WPC zone defense.
• Isiah Large was particularly effective for NHCC, penetrating into the lane and finding teammates for easy field goals.
• Hall put home a tip-dunk at the halftime buzzer, and WPC was fortunate to enjoy a three point advantage at the break.
• The Knights cranked up the defense in the second period, forcing 10 turnovers which led to transition offense.
• The Deacons managed to tie the score in the second half on two occasions early, but WP methodically pulled away and eventually led by as many as 26 points.
• Bench play was a catalyst for the Knight's surge. Keaton Bankofier (10 points) and Hakeem Bradley (8 points, 6 rebounds) were major contributors in the second half.
Notable
• Ryan Parks continues to rack up three pointers, hitting two more tonight. He is 8 away from the all-time mark (Josh Jackson - 238)
• Laron Daniels scored a season high 18 points to lead Warner Pacific.
• WPC has defeated the Deacons in all seven meetings between the two programs.